Panthers hoping “bloody runs” unlock extended runs late in games moving forward

That game plan — which isn’t going to be the way they win every week, but it’s certainly what they needed in Atlanta — serves a number of purposes.

It takes some pressure off a passing game that had struggled. It allows an offensive line that had issues in protections to lean on someone for a change. That’s why their eyes light up when they talk about it.

“Those are still the types of runs that affect guys on defense because they get hit,” veteran left tackle Cameron Erving said. “Of course we enjoy that. As an O-lineman, we go against some of the best athletes on the field in defensive ends. And while I look forward to blocking and competing against guys who are great players, it’s always good to go out there and run the ball, and take some pressure off the quarterback, take it off the receivers.

“Now they have to play us honest, and get back to the defenses we want to pass against.”

The Panthers certainly were able to do that last week, by putting together three separate drives of at least 15 plays. That gave their own defense a chance to breathe, with defensive coordinator Phil Snow marveling at the fact they only had to play 50 snaps (the average is around 68 in a game). For the Falcons, it was a matter of attrition, as the Panthers were able to sustain a run game even after rookie running back Chuba Hubbard fumbled on the first snap, and his late touchdown that sealed it was a fitting bookend.

Brady again brightened when asked about the play of their oft-maligned offensive line, knowing it was a win they needed.

“I loved it. I loved that they were consistent with it,” Brady said. “They showed some physicality, some finish to them, it was one of those games you’ve got to come, and there’s a lot of bloody runs. A lot of 3-yard runs, 4-yard runs, but they get you into manageable third downs.

“I loved their execution. I love that they responded from the first play of the game. Put the ball on the ground first play, but no heads down, get the ball back, get it into Chuba’s hands and run the ball and start the next drive. Love the way they responded last week.”

This week presents a different challenge, and they know it.

Playing Bill Belichick and the Patriots defense means that you know the other guys are going to try to take away what you’re best at.

Erving knows first-hand what it looks like. When he was in his second year in 2016, his Browns teams were averaging 149.3 rushing yards per game through the first four games. In Week 5 against the Patriots, they were held to 27 yards on 22 carries. As Erving explained, they hadn’t seen the Patriots running many Bear fronts (five defensive linemen controlling gaps) to that point, but they did that game, and basically punched the Browns square in the face.

“It’s the same style of defense; they want to bloody you up, they want to be physical, their linebackers want to play downhill,” Erving said of New England’s style in general. “And coach Belichick, to his credit, is one of the best ever. He knows how to scheme it up and take what you do well away from you.

“Us as an offense, we have to know he does specific things to take away your strengths, and he wants to beat you one specific way. So I don’t really think it’s like people are nervous, but you definitely respect the level of coaching you’re going against when you’re playing Belichick.”