See, but he got that name because he went for it on 4th down a couple of times when he should have!! But he still punts when he shouldn't, he still goes for it on 4th and inches with the same 2 plays every time. It's all very predictable. As you said about the Pats, they attack the opponent when they find a weak spot - the Panthers will continue forcing issues that are shown not to work.
I feel bad bringing it up, because I think it was in his first year as head coach, but there are two games in particular that really made me question Ron Rivera's ability to coach a team. I think it was 2011 (maybe 2012), and the Panthers had a lead against the Saints. They were up 1 or 2 points, and they had the ball near mid-field. On 3rd on short, they tried the usual QB sneak from shotgun, Newton fumbled, recovered, and did not get the first down. On 4th and short, rather than go for it (statistically speaking he should have), he punted.
This worked out well for him, luckily, as he pinned the Saints into their own 1 yd line. They had no time outs, I don't think, and about 1 minute to get 60 yds for a long field goal. The Panthers proceed to play a cover 2 defense, and as I recall, we blitzed our best CB (Gamble) off the corner!! So we only have 2 deep, our RCB gets burned and our safety couldn't make the play - it was either Julio or Roddy, I can't remember who, but a 40 or 50 yd first play. Of course the Falcons kicked the field goal to win.
Then, like two weeks later, they were in a similar situation vs the Bears. Except this time, the Bears had the ball with like 4 minutes. The Panthers literally played the softest coverage I have ever seen. I think Brandon Marshall caught like 4-5 8 yd little slant/hook routes in a row. So not only did the Bears easily drive down the field, but since the defense was soft, they didn't get burned and it bled the clock out. The Bears kicked a FG with little time left and won the game.
I like Ron, but I think he's got a long way to go. I don't think Cam is utilized as effectively as possible (he's not Aaron Rogers so quit having him try to play like Aaron Rogers!!). Meh, I get frustrated thinking about it.
And my Hornets are a ****ing mess!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!