The Carolina Panthers' offensive linemen can stop counting now.
The math isn't much fun, anyway. The numbers don't work:
Eight defensive players jammed near the line of scrimmage - which is at least one more than Carolina has available to block, unless the Panthers are in a two-back, two-tight end set.
That defensive strategy - combined with Carolina's youth at quarterback and receiver - has plunged the Panthers to the bottom of the NFL's offensive statistics and produced the third 0-5 start in team history.
Carolina has scored a league-low 52 points - by far the lowest total in franchise history through five games.
With one exception, the Panthers' games have unfolded in a predictable, nauseating pattern:
Carolina's offense tries to establish a running attack, the backbone of a John Fox-coached team.
Defense counters by stacking the box with as many as nine defenders.
Rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen (and Matt Moore before him) is faced with too many second-and-8 and third-and-long situations.
With top receiver Steve Smith doubled (or last week vs. Chicago, injured), rookies David Gettis and Brandon LaFell fail to get open and/or make the catch.
Panthers trail in the second half, and are forced to throw to try to catch up.
Defenses take more chances with blitzes.
Bad things happen to Clausen and Moore (see turnovers, head injuries, et al).
Repeat the following week.
