Panthers’ offense zones in on Williams’ skills

By Chris Cluff  |   Sunday, May 27, 2007  |  Comments( 1 )

Carolina Panthers
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The Panthers aren't saying it yet, but it's DeAngelo time in Carolina.

With Jeff Davidson replacing Dan Henning as offensive coordinator, the Panthers plan to change the blocking scheme for the running game, going to a zone-blocking approach that will utilize the athleticism of the Panthers' offensive linemen.

It also just happens to fit the running style of DeAngelo Williams, the team's first-round pick in 2006.

Splitting time with DeShaun Foster last season, Williams rushed for 501 yards and caught 33 passes for 313 yards. Now he will be in a much more familiar offense, and it's only a matter of time before he supplants the injury-prone Foster as the starting tailback.

"I'm excited about the offense altogether because it's identical to the offense we ran in Memphis," said Williams, who set the NCAA Division I record with 7,573 all-purpose yards at Memphis. "We threw a lot of screen passes to the running backs, and we ran the outside and inside zone plays. We did the one-back power, things like that. It's just like the offense at Memphis, but with some different terminology."

Williams likes the zone-blocking scheme because it will enable him to use his vision for cutback runs like the ones the Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons have been so successful with over the years.

"The fact that no matter what the defense does, they're wrong," Williams said. "In a zone-blocking scheme, what it all boils down to is you pick your own hole. It's more about vision than quickness because if you can't see the hole, you can't get there no matter what you do. It basically boils down to your vision. It opens the field up a lot, too, if they are worried about someone with the ball and what hole they are going to choose. It's like chess: If you choose the wrong hole, it's checkmate."

Foster is the de facto starter heading into training camp, but assuming Williams can replicate the all-purpose production he had at Memphis, the job should be his sooner than later.

It's DeAngelo time in Carolina.

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About Chris Cluff

Chris Cluff spent 10 years as an editor and sportswriter for The Seattle Times. He was a key figure in the newspaper's coverage of the Seahawks, particularly during their Super Bowl run in 2005. He also has written two books on the Seahawks: "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Heart-Pounding, ...
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