What We Saw: Week 3

Panthers @ Seahawks

Final Score: Seahawks 37, Panthers 27

Writer: Jason Wolf (@J_Wolf_Picks on Twitter)

Raise your hand if you had “Andy Dalton throws 60 passes” on your BINGO card for Week 3’s Panthers-Seahawks tilt! Okay, put your hand down, liar. This game was a far more entertaining watch than I expected with several notable happenings throughout the game. Geno Smith continued the excellent play that he showed throughout last year, Seahawks’ stars WR DK Metcalf and RB Kenneth Walker showed out, and stepping in for an injured Bryce Young, The Red Rocket (aka “Andy Dalton”) seemed more than capable of serving in Bryce Young’s absence.

First off,  I’m not sure who to give the game ball to. Should it go to Walker, who was chewing up yardage and making big play after big play in finishing the day with 156 total yards and two touchdowns? Or maybe the 35-year-old backup quarterback, who threw for over 350 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers while battling not only the Seahawks’ front seven but also the abysmal performance of his own offensive line? Nah, I give the game ball to the 12th man, the Seattle home crowd who gave the Panthers fits all day and helped force Carolina into countless penalties, including eight (8!) false starts, the most by any team since the 2011 Bears (yikes – imagine being compared to the non-1985 Bears).

Three Up

• Kenneth Walker – Walker looked explosive. Quick cuts, lateral and breakaway speed, great vision, unexpected power, and a solid receiving threat. He’s truly a three-down back who is capable of doing it all. The Seahawks are not afraid to establish Walker and the run game, and they don’t forget to back to him, even when the passing attack is moving the ball. Usage in the red zone is encouraging, as well. If Seahawks’ offensive line stays healthy and Geno maintains this level, Walker can rack up some serious stats.
• DK Metcalf – In a crowded WR room full of talent, Metcalf stands far apart from the others. His unreal combination of speed, size, and strength make him into Seattle’s go-to guy when they need a big play. His contested catch ability is elite and he’s difficult to bring down, making him a threat for a big play every time he touches the ball. If Geno plays at this level or similar, Metcalf is a high end fantasy asset.
• Every Carolina skill player while Dalton is starting at QB – This is not a knock on Bryce Young at all but Dalton is at this moment in time currently better equipped to deal with the hot mess that is the Carolina Panthers. Decimated by injuries on defense, lacking weapons on offense, and operating behind awful O-line play, Dalton was able to do more with less than his rookie counterpart. Dalton’s pocket presence and ability to handle pressure and still look downfield and hit receivers gave an immediate boost to the whole offense’s outlook, both in real life and fantasy. As long as Dalton is in, Sanders and the Panthers receivers have a slightly sunnier outlook.

Three Down

• Jackson Smith-Njigba – Smith-Njigba’s talent is off the charts and he’s gaining separation on his routes, but he’s still raw and lacks polish. The Seahawks are not peppering him with targets just yet. Due to presence of studs like Walker, Metcalf, and ol’ reliable Tyler Lockett, the ceiling is capped for JSN at the moment. Until he starts doing the little things that will earn him more trust from his quarterback and more targets, there just isn’t enough room for JSN to eat, barring injury or strong negative game script.
• Bryce Young – Young was inactive for this game but it’s not hard to see a large part of why he is struggling through his first two NFL games. The Panthers’ offensive line ranks near rock bottom in most protection metrics and it is obvious watching the game that the play of the O-line is a massive hinderance for this team, often allowing free rushers and collapsing pockets around the quarterback. Between the offensive line situation and lack of playmaking talent, Young’s rookie season might be a bumpy ride.
• Miles Sanders – Though Sanders did actually look quite good with the ball in his hands and in space, he also struggled due to offensive line play. With little room to run and highly likely to face negative game scripts most Sundays, it is hard for Sanders to rack up the necessary rushing volume to thrive.

Carolina Panthers

Quarterback

Andy Dalton: 34/58, 361 Yards, 2 TD | 2 Carries, 11 Yards

35 year-old Andy Dalton still has it. Looking impressively spry, Dalton was doing his best with what he was given (which wasn’t much) and he looked like he was having fun doing it, too. Dalton, despite abysmal O-line play, showed good command of the offense, impressive poise under duress all day, and unexpectedly excellent mobility while racking up numbers thanks in part to a new career high of 58 pass attempts in this one. Playing from behind the entire second half, Dalton was cool under pressure, regularly escaping the pocket to avoid pressure and dropping numerous dimes on the run.

Notes

• Dalton is obviously not as elusive or mobile as Young, but his pocket presence and awareness are much better so it feels like he’s able to make more plays on his feet than the #1 overall draft pick.
• Handling pressure like a boss, Dalton stepped up in the pocket in the face of pressure. He was patient and poised until the last second, giving his receivers the time they needed.
• He was onsistently looking downfield and dropping absolute dimes in the intermediate-to-deep game, particularly on a deep ball down the sideline to D. J. Chark.
• Body language and leadership are flawless as Dalton is unfazed by countless false starts and illegal shift penalties. He displayed the memory of a goldfish (in a good way) when he stepping up to the line of scrimmage following a penalty.
• On the last play of the third quarter, a big third down, the Panthers don’t have to run a play. However, Dalton hurries to change things at the line, gets a look he likes, and gets a play off last second for a first down. These plays personify the nuances that a seasoned vet possesses that  rookie quarterbacks lack.
• Dalton’s fresh legs gave him surprising mobility, put to great use in combination with solid arm strength and accuracy.

Running Back

Miles Sanders: 9 Carries, 24 Yards | 9 Targets, 5 Receptions, 38 Yards

Sanders, much like the Panthers’ offense as a whole, was a victim of its offensive line play as the vast majority of rushing attempts given to Sanders were stuffed or met with immediate resistance. This led to to short gain after short gain in the traditional ground attack. Sanders did have a highlight run where he spun out of a tackle in the backfield, turning what should have been a big tackle for loss into a nice 10+ yard run, displaying his elusiveness and lateral quickness in the process. Though his numbers in the box score didn’t pop (other than his nine targets), Sanders looked good with the ball in his hands, making defenders miss in space and showing surprising toughness as well. He is a great pass-catching back and he put that on display in this game with several receptions, among them a highlight-worthy, one-handed grab that kept a drive alive on third down.

Notes

• When the game was close, the Panthers showed willingness and desire to stick with the ground game with Sanders. Had to move away from it due to the game script, but the opportunity for volume is there.
• He’s not a power back by any means but he does have surprising power. Panthers gave him the ball on their first goal-line carry and he converted for TD. Encouraging use in the red zone.
• Sanders was not afraid to lower shoulders and embrace contact.
• He showed off speed in space as well as good awareness by getting the first down and getting out of bounds to stop the clock at the end of the first half.
• Volume in the passing game is there, which is great to see from a fantasy football perspective.
• He made defenders miss in space.

Chuba Hubbard: 1 Carry, 2 Yards | 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 2 Yards

Hubbard got first looks when Miles Sanders needed a breather (and when he came out of the game due to an injury scare). On Hubbard’s first snap in the game, they called a screen pass for him.

Notes

• Displayed good focus on his first target of the game by catching a tipped pass.
• Hubbard is not a significant part of the offense as the RB2 behind Sanders, especially given the majority of projected game scripts the Panthers will face this season.

Wide Receiver/Tight End

Adam Thielen: 14 Targets, 11 Receptions, 145 Yards, TD

Few things were consistent for the Panthers in this game: their inability to block effectively, false start penalties, and Adam Thielen’s presence in the passing game. Thielen saw a whopping 14 targets against the Seahawks and was efficient, hauling in 11 catches for 145 yards. Thielen was doing work in the intermediate areas of the field all game long, nabbing one drive-sustaining catch after another. He was particularly involved in the early goings of the game, acting as Andy Dalton’s safety blanket as he got acclimated to having the Seattle front seven live in his pocket all game. At this point in Thielen’s career, he is not out-jumping or outrunning defenders but is still able to create separation thanks to his elite route-running abilities. His crisp routes were a saving grace for Dalton all game as he often looked to Thielen’s way when under pressure.

Notes

• His hands are beyond reliable; he makes every play you expect or think he should.
• Thielen’s ability to create separation through crisp route running is still very much there.
• Timing between Dalton and Thielen was rock solid.

D. J. Chark: 11 Targets, 4 Receptions, 86 Yards, TD

D. J. Chark was targeted 11 times in this one, most often on intermediate to deep routes when Carolina was looking for a big play. He had a nice day in the box score thanks in large part to his 47-yard touchdown, due solely to busted coverage on a defensive miscommunication. Hats off to Chark for making the most of it by shaking the sole would-be tackler on the play and taking it to the house, but it was definitely a flukey play. Chark flashed big play ability on a superb catch on a streak down the sideline, showcasing impressive focus and great hands. His large target volume was great to see, but he turned in poor efficiency from a catch rate standpoint due to both the nature and degree of difficulty of his targets.

Notes

• Chark had by far the highest aDOT on the team.
• The Panthers’ gameplan called for deep shots to Chark early and often.

Missed Opportunities

• Dalton hit Chark on an absolute dime that traveled 35 air yards and went right through Chark’s hands for a play that should have been made. Granted, a defensive back obfuscated Chark’s sight a bit but Chark had the opportunity to make the play nonetheless.

Jonathan Mingo: 6 Targets, 3 Receptions, 21 Yards

Jonathan Mingo got a few looks from Dalton but their rapport was several notches below that of Thielen’s and one or two below Chark’s timing with the backup quarterback.

Notes

• Showed a nice ability to make tough catches in traffic and down the middle. Mingo knew he was going to take a big hit on two of his three receptions.
• He wasn’t phased by two big hits on one drive.

Missed Opportunities

• On a 2nd & 10 (2:15, 1Q), Dalton hit Mingo at the break of his route and Mingo almost came down with the ball. The defensive back made a nice play to keep his hands in there and force the incompletion but Mingo was so close to making the play. Not a huge knock on Mingo but it would’ve been great to haul that one in as a confidence booster for himself and the team.

Terrace Marshall, Jr.: 8 Targets, 5 Receptions, 35 Yards

Notes

• Terrace Marshall, Jr. was part of the game script, which was great to see. He saw the field in wide/spread sets and made some short catches in traffic. He’s generally thought of as a downfield threat but wasn’t used as such in this one.

Missed Opportunities

• On 3rd & 9 on the first drive of the second half, Dalton hit Marshall right on the numbers with perfect timing on a comeback route, but Marshall couldn’t bring it in. Not the easiest play he had to make, but it was definitely one he needed to nail down on third down to keep the drive going and build momentum for the offense.

Laviska Shenault: 1 Target | 2 Carries, 7 Yards

Notes

• Laviska Shenault had one play drawn up for him on a screen play out of the backfield which was scored as a rush attempt. The Panthers seem to have gotten away from inventive plays that feature Shenault in ways that showcase his strengths.

Hayden Hurst: 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 11 Yards

Seattle Seahawks

Quarterback

Geno Smith: 23/36, 296 Yards, INT, TD | 4 Carries, -4 Yards

Geno Smith and Seattle’s offense were able to move the ball with consistency and relative ease the entire game yet for Geno, this week was a tale of two halves as the Seahawks were kept out of the endzone the entire first half but were seemingly living in the Panthers’ endzone in the second half. Geno was confident, composed, and accurate for most of the game, displaying a command and efficacy of the offense which we’ve become accustomed to seeing since Geno famously declined to write back. Geno took what the defense gave him for most of the game while sprinkling in some downfield shots, mostly to DK Metcalf, his best friend in this game. Geno was impressive, particularly in the way he utilized his mobility to manipulate the defenders and buy extra time for his receivers to get open. Smith was regularly extending plays using his feet and delivering laser-accurate balls while on the run.

Notes

• Numerous excellent throws while on the run
• Masterful display of pocket command…manipulating the pocket, dodging rushers in the backfield, buying extra time.
• When given time for routes to develop, Geno looks downfield and delivers really accurate balls downfield.
• Showed poise when coming back the drive after his INT. Led the offense down the field with confidence and decisiveness. Seemingly never loses confidence in himself and it pays dividends in games.
• Made a few questionable decisions to let the ball fly. Tyler Lockett saved two potential interceptions by playing defensive back on a couple of questionable balls.

Running Back

Kenneth Walker: 18 Carries, 97 Yards, 2 TD | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 59 Yards

This was a Kenneth Walker masterclass as the star RB looked downright dangerous nearly every time he got the ball in his hands. His rushing totals alone from the box score are solid, but his performance based on eye test was more impressive. Other than his big 30-yard scamper, the Panthers’ run defense actually held up decently well. Even Walker’s three five-yard gains looked impressive as he displayed strength and elusiveness on most touches.

Walker possesses a rare combination of physicality, breakaway speed, and vision that makes him a threat every time he touches the ball. He often turned nothing into something, most notably on a would-be tackle for loss that he turned into an epic five-yard gain by reversing field and flashing lateral quickness and tackle-breaking ability. He also impressed as a receiver by reeling in a couple of catches carrying a high degree of difficulty.

Notes

• He made defenders miss in the open field.
• The Seahawks’ usage of Walker between the 20’s and in the red zone was very encouraging.
• Pete Carroll reversed course from his most famous Super Bowl mistake and gave Walker multiple chances to punch in a touchdown, which he eventually did after multiple attempts.
• He displayed excellent vision behind his lead blockers.
• His lateral jukes and stop-start cuts were next level.

Zach Charbonnet: 9 Carries, 46 Yards | 2 Targets, 1 Reception, -1 Yard

Charbonnet is a nice complimentary running back for the Seahawks as he possesses many of Walker’s best qualities (albeit at a lower level), such as quick feet and the ability to quickly change direction. Due to game flow and the Seahawks taking control of the second half, Charbonnet saw more extended work than usual late in the game and looked good carrying the rock in what were mostly predictable running situations. Earlier, Charbonnet came in here and there to spell Walker when he needed a breather. He seems to be strictly in a backup role for now, at least in neutral game scripts.

Notes

• Displayed nice cutback ability and quick feet on a rush that was called back due to holding.

Missed Opportunities

• Was open on a 5-yard out route but Geno slightly overthrew him, causing an incompletion. Goes in the box score as a target but it should have been a reception for Charbonnet.

Deejay Dallas: 2 Carries, 7 yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, -2 Yards

Notes

• Had two consecutive direct snap plays called for him on one drive. The first one went for a nice 8-yard pickup while the second was snuffed out, resulting in a tackle for loss.
• Made a nice play as a punt returner when he shrugged off a hit immediately after catching the ball, then gained 15 yards after contact.

Wide Receiver/Tight End

DK Metcalf: 8 Targets, 6 Receptions, 112 Yards

DK Metcalf was tormenting the Panthers all day. Amazingly, he only had 6 receptions but each one felt like a dagger to the Panthers’ heart as most of his receptions were big plays going for over 15-20 yards. Metcalf only had 8 targets but he sure made the most out of each one, coming down with 6 catches for an average of almost 20 YPC. Watching Metcalf play wide receiver is a thing of beauty as he is an upper-tier athletic beast who can outrun, outjump, and out-hustle any defensive back. Metcalf racked up the most casual 110+ yards I have ever seen, seemingly dishing up chunk plays every time Geno looked his way.

Notes

• Metcalf’s 112 yards on 6 catches looked effortless. Would love to see what happens if he gets double-digit targets in a negative game script. He makes it look so easy.
• Completely got away with a push-off downfield on his 34-yard gain. On another day, that might have been called back.
• Took an ordinary slant and turned it into a big gain. Few guys in the league are as scary with the ball in their hands and a little bit of open field in front of them.
• Flashed his unmatched ability to make contested catches on a deep incompletion down the sideline, almost making an absolutely insane play.

Tyler Lockett: 7 Targets, 3 Receptions, 34 Yards

Tyler Lockett got a healthy amount of targets (7) in this game but didn’t do much with them for a couple of reasons. First, two out of Lockett’s seven targets were ill-advised throws that could have been interceptions; Lockett played hero and batted them both down. In fairness to him, there should be a stat that converts those two incompletions to something positive for Lockett. In addition to Lockett receiving the bulk of Geno’s few questionable throws, it’s fair to start wondering whether or not Lockett may have simply lost a half-step or two after so many years in the NFL. He didn’t get as much separation from these Carolina defensive backs as anticipated in this one.

Notes

• Didn’t separate as well as usual, but was still as good as ever at finding a soft spot in defenses on extended and broken plays
• Lockett’s gain of 15+ yards was a beautifully schemed look on the flat for a free 10+ YAC.
• Didn’t do much as a receiving weapon even though Geno frequently looked for him.

Jackson Smith-Njigba: 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 10 Yards

Jackson Smith-Njigba is clearly very talented, as evidenced by both his route running and the eye test when he has the ball in his hands. Unfortunately, he has yet to become a featured part of the offense. He had one play dialed up for him, which was a 3rd & 22 wide receiver screen in which the Seahawks were in field goal range, but played it safe to prevent a turnover.

Notes

• His designed screen felt like the coaches said “alright, we’re not getting the first down, might as well give it to the kid and see what he does with it” before they gave him one pity-designed look.
• JSN is still raw; little rookie mistakes are likely part of why he hasn’t been featured more heavily. However, he clearly has potential.

Missed Opportunities

• On a 3rd & 9, Smith-Njigba didn’t run his route precisely enough; the defensive back was able to jump his route when he should have been able to break a little bit later for a catch and potential first down. Instead, the Seahawks settled for a field goal when a more polished wide receiver might have found a way to secure the first down.

Noah Fant: 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 41 Yards, 

Fant didn’t get any targets in Week 1, but drew five in this one, catching four passes for the second week in a row. Fant did most of his damage on extended plays in which Geno looked for a big target; Fant was able to work himself open on plays where Geno scrambled out of the pocket.

Jake Bobo: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 5 Yards, TD

Colby Parkinson: 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 38 Yards