Balanced Panthers Loom Large

Balanced Panthers Loom Large
December 17
New York Post
"After watching DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart combine for 301 yards rushing and four touchdowns in the Panthers' last game, Denver coach Mike Shanahan was determined to slow down one of the running backs in the league's top tandem.

Trouble is, putting eight men on the line of scrimmage leaves the dangerous Steve Smith in single coverage.

Such is the puzzle the Giants must deal with in Sunday night's showdown. An increasingly balanced team that can pound the ball between the tackles and dazzle with the deep ball to the speedy Smith, the Panthers (11-3) have become a nightmare for opposing coaches as they march toward their first playoff berth in three seasons.

Sunday's 30-10 rout of Denver marked the Panthers' fifth straight game with at least 28 points and showed off their numerous options on offense.

When the Panthers saw the Broncos lining up with four defensive linemen and four linebackers on the first series, offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson quickly decided to use a hurry-up offense and throw deep to Smith. Missing star cornerback Champ Bailey to a groin injury, Smith picked on Denver rookie fill-in Josh Bell. Smith caught three passes for 66 yards on the first drive, ending with a 15-yard touchdown catch. "
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