Panthers at Rams

Carolina Coach John Fox took the Panthers from a 1-15 record to 11-5 in two seasons. For a second year head coach it's a fair to middlin' country boy effort.

The key rushing stats got him there. Only twice this season did he run the ball less than 27 times per game.

Total Rushing Plays Carolina Panthers 2003 through Week 17

The stats suggest Coach Fox respects clock control. The improvement in Number of Rushes from the prior year's 7-9 season added 5 points to the scoring differential. This fully accounts for the 4-point gain in the winning margin.

So watch Coach Fox run the ball against the St. Louis Rams aerial circus. Ram's Coach Mike Martz loves to see the ball in the air. Rams rush less than leauge average (dark blue line, year-to-date average, below light blue line, league average, in the chart below).

Total Rushing Plays St. Louis Rams 2003 through Week 17

But the Rams are earning only 1 passing TD per lost INT. Typical champions come home with a 3-to-1 balance and Rams are not near that performance level.

Passes Had Intercpted St. Louis Rams 2003 through Week 17

While the computer-aided projected scoring favors the Rams over the Panthers by 6 1/2, one interception more than your opposition adds 6+ points to the winning margin.

Interesting game.

Bud Goode and Bill Sanders

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