Carolina Panthers

Connected Franchise Mode Strategy CFM Team Rating: 87 Offense: 89 Defense: 89 Offensive Scheme: Balanced Offense DEFensive Scheme: Base 4-3 Strengths: QB, C, TE, WR, FB, MLB, DT Weaknesses: ROLB, FS, RT, HB 2014 Team Rankings 1st NFC South (7-8-1) Passing Offense: 19th Rushing Offense: 7th Passing Defense: 11th Rushing Defense: 16th 2014 team leaders Passing: Cam Newton: 3,127 Rushing: Jonathan Stewart: 809 Receiving: Greg Olsen: 1,008 Tackles: Luke Kuechly: 153 Sacks: Charles Johnson: 8.5 Ints: Roman Harper: 4 Key Additions WR Jarrett Boykin CB Charles Tillman RT Jonathan Martin FS Kurt Coleman Key Rookies LB Shaq Thompson WR Devin Funchess G Daryl Williams Owner: Jerry Richardson Legacy Score: 950 Coach: Ron Rivera Level: 9 Legacy Score: 165 Offensive Scheme: Balanced Defensive Scheme: Base 4-3

Offensive Scouting Report

• QB Cam Newton has been signed for the long term and gives the team not only a face for the franchise but the ability to utilize a unique scheme. Joe Webb is a decent backup who can spell Newton, but you should focus on keeping him upright and out of harm’s way.
• HB Jonathan Stewart has a unique blend of strength and elusiveness that makes him a good back for the Panthers’ scheme. The real key is keeping him healthy. FB Mike Tolbert is an excellent option to get the most out of your scheme, especially in the red zone and catching passes out of the backfield.
• The Panthers found a true #1 WR in Kelvin Benjamin. He is an excellent threat in the red zone with a 6’5” frame and a 97 CIT rating. He is also excellent against press coverage, so don’t worry about facing physical corners. He is the only reliable target for QB Cam Newton; everyone else has flashes, but you need to put them in the best spot for their talent to take over. At TE, Greg Olsen is the best target you have for third downs and is also a solid run blocker.

Defensive Scouting Report

• The Panthers’ defensive line is very balanced across the board. Players like Star Lotulelei will stuff the run while Charles Johnson and Kawann Short will get after the passer.
• Nothing needs to be said about MLB Luke Kuechly, as he is one of the best all-around players in football. Another one of our favorite players, however, is Thomas Davis, who has been playing at a high level for years now. He has excellent play recognition and won’t get fooled on play-action fakes. Allow those two to roam free and focus on rookie Shaq Thompson to make plays and get him XP.
• The Panthers’ secondary is actually built pretty nicely for a player who likes to use zone coverage. Tre Boston is quickly becoming a solid defender and should be much improved as you boost his play recognition. While the starting CBs might not be household names yet, they both have great size and should be rock solid in either flat or deep zone coverage.

Schedule

Key Players

• Newton has excellent strength, agility, and acceleration, which allow him to be an excellent threat on the ground.
• Newton is best when throwing passes between 20 and 40 yards, so look to your TEs and WRs on crossing routes downfield.

• Kuechly will get himself in position to make big plays for your defense consistently.
• The scary part is that he is still developing; add a little more hit power to his game for even more turnovers.

• Thompson is a major talent who will be solid in zone coverage and is a sure tackler.
• If you switch and play some nickel defense, utilize Thomas Davis and give Thompson a rest until you go back to the base 4-3.

• Funchess will be a great complement to Kelvin Benjamin and can hopefully take some pressure off. Upgrade his Catch in Traffic and Route Running ratings.
• Work on developing the 6’4” Funchess over Stephen Hill, because there is more long-term upside.

OFFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

DEFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

SPECIAL TEAMS

Best Offensive Plays

BEST RUN: Strong H Pro — Power O

Setup:

• This is a staple run, but don’t rely on Cam Newton to carry the ball all game long — use him as a surprise.
• On early downs, this run can go outside. On third down, take the sure yards up the middle.

Advanced Setup:

• Motion the FB to the right (optional).

Running Plays

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BEST PASS: Gun Trey Y-Flex — Levels Sail

Setup/Reads:

• Against zone coverage one of the routes on the left will get open, so throw a bullet pass with confidence.
• Against man-to-man coverage target the TE cutting towards the sideline. Keep an eye out to see if a WR has a linebacker on him.
• Streak Kelvin Benjamin for high-point catches on the outside. Streak Ted Ginn Jr. if you sense a speed mismatch in the seam.

Advanced Setup:

• Slant any WR on the left side.

Passing Plays

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Best Defensive Plays

BEST RUN DEFENSE: 5-2 Normal — Cover 3

Setup:

• This is more of a short-yardage defense, but it should allow your LBs to make plays.
• Use the Trio Sky Zone to send pressure at any extra blockers the offense uses.
• Go with the Fire Zone 2 in the red zone and shade your coverage underneath.

Player to Control:

• Either OLB in a hook zone

Run Defense

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BEST PASS DEFENSE: Nickel Double A Gap — Buck Zone Blitz

Setup:

• Consider QB spying the blitzing LB, because your rush angle is very wide and QBs could escape through the middle.
• This will give up some throws to the flat, but the offense has to be smart enough to make it consistently.
• Consider sending both LBs on a blitz to really ramp up the pressure on third and long.

Player to Control:

• DT Star Lotulelei (power rush)

Pass Defense

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