Published: Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012 / Updated: Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012 08:19 PM
Carolina Panthers report card 11.11.12
D QUARTERBACK: Cam Newton was sacked a career-high seven times. He didn't help himself by holding on to the ball too long at times. After a turnover-free game at Washington, Newton threw his second interception for a touchdown in a three-game span. Franchise quarterbacks can't do that.
F RUNNING BACKS: The Panthers averaged 2.5 yards a carry, and had to abandon the running game after falling behind. Jonathan Stewart had 31 yards on eight carries, and DeAngelo Williams had six carries for 6 yards.
C RECEIVERS: Tight end Greg Olsen caught nine of the 10 passes thrown to him for 102 yards – his first 100-yard receiving game. But none of the wideouts were a factor, particularly Steve Smith. He caught one pass for 19 yards before Ron Rivera pulled him at the end of the game to look at younger receivers.
F OFFENSIVE LINE: The Panthers tried to tweak their protections and benched right tackle Byron Bell in favor of Garry Williams. It didn't help. No one could block Von Miller, who led a sack parade on Newton. Imagine how bad it would have been had Elvis Dumervil played the second half.
B DEFENSIVE LINE: The front four helped hold the Broncos to 65 yards on 22 carries. Ends Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy continued their inspired play, combining for three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and two pass breakups.
B- LINEBACKERS: Luke Kuechly was the leading tackler again with 10 stops, and James Anderson and Thomas Davis combined for nine tackles.
C DEFENSIVE BACKS: The plan was to keep plays in front of the secondary and take away Peyton Manning's deep throws. But Demaryius Thomas caught nine passes for 135 yards, and had receptions of 32 and 46 yards.
F SPECIAL TEAMS: Trindon Holliday got the Panthers again. After scoring on a 90-yard kickoff return with the Texans in the preseason, Holliday went 76 yards on a punt return that changed momentum. Armanti Edwards averaged 17 yards on two kickoff returns, and Justin Medlock missed a 43-yard field goal in the final minute of the first half.
D COACHING: This one got away from the Panthers after Holliday's return. Given Holliday's history, it was surprising special teams coordinator Brian Murphy didn't draw up an avoidance plan similar to the one he used against Chicago's Devin Hester.
Joseph Person