What do the snap count totals from Week 4 tell us about the Carolina Panthers’ frustrating loss to the Minnesota Vikings?
Let’s try to dissect the biggest takeaways from those tallies in the 21-13 defeat:
The run-around
Despite constantly facing loaded fronts from a pretty predictable Vikings defense, the Panthers stubbornly stuck to the ground—dialing up 29 rushes out of the backfield for 73 yards. Their intent to establish the run was, obviously, apparent—and it was Chuba Hubbard who got the most work.
Hubbard out-snapped starter Miles Sanders, 39 to 31. Now, Sanders’ groin injury heading in may explain that discrepancy. But, through four games, Hubbard has been the more efficient ball carrier—averaging 4.6 yards per attempt to Sanders’ 2.9.
Luvu's lair
Speaking of injuries, Luvu came into Week 4 with a questionable designation due to a hip pointer. Nonetheless, he ended up playing in each of the defense’s 48 snaps.
But the more interesting takeaway from the inside backers, especially in the absence of Shaq Thompson, was who didn’t play . . . or play that much. Former Pro Bowler Deion Jones, who notched an interception last week, was a healthy scratch while Kamu Grugier-Hill, who notched his own interception this week, played in only 14 looks.
On Monday, head coach Frank Reich said the decision to sideline Jones was a schematic one. Grugier-Hill’s limited burn can probably, in part, be attributed to his valued role on special teams.
A shot of Jamison
D’Shawn Jamison, a late-summer pickup off the waiver wire, out-snapped every Carolina cornerback not named CJ Henderson. He also saw the most action when lining up against All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson, who reeled in three of his five targets for 56 yards against the rookie defender.
Jamison’s 34 snaps, however, didn’t result in the best of performances according to Pro Football Focus. In fact, his 38.7 defensive grade was the worst on the team in Week 4.
