Most coaches in the NFL like to group the NFL season into four quarters, the idea being you want to try and win or split each quarter. Basically if you can win two out of the four quarters, and split the other two, you’re looking at a 10-6 record. With quarter one now finished, the Carolina Panthers are sitting pretty at 3-1. Sure 4-0 would have been nice, but you can’t complain about the Panther’s record, especially with the teams they played in Sand Diego, Chicago, and Minnesota. Now, the Panthers move into the second quarter of the season, looking to keep their momentum against a Chiefs team coming off a big win last week over Denver.
Injuries
In today’s game, more than any other game this season, injuries are going to play a very important role. With Jordan Gross out, and Jeff Otah doubtful, the Panthers are going to be stretched thin at tackle. If both are out, Jeremy Bridges is most likely to fill in for Otah, while Frank Omiyale fills in for Gross, though Travelle Wharton could shift over to LT and let Geoff Hangartner take over at LG.
I suppose if there is going to be a game in which you’re missing two offensive linemen this is the one. The Chiefs, who rank 30th against the rush, and 29th in total defense, have probably the softest defense the Panthers play in the first half of the season.
As for other notable injuries, cornerback Ken Lucas is questionable with and ankle injury, but was a full participant in Friday’s practice, so I expect him to play. WR Ryne Robinson and S Quinton Teal are also questionable.
Keys to the Game
1. Stop Larry Johnson- So so far this season the Carolina Panthers have faced some of the best running backs in the league: LaDanian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, Michael Turner, and so far, the Panthers have still yet to allow a 100 yard rusher. That can’t change, today, as the Panthers defense squares off against Larry Johnson, who’s coming off a 198 yard, 2 TD performance against Denver. Offensively the Chiefs are going to try and lean on Johnson, since all three of their quarterbacks have yet to impress.
2. Get rid of all the Penalties- Last week’s performance was nowhere near perfect, mainly due to all of the penalties the Panthers received. The ruffing the passer and pass interference penalties are one thing, but the ones the Panthers have to stop are all of these pre-snap penalties. They’re nothing but bonehead penalties that ruin drives. That may be difficult with a patchwork offensive line, but it needs to be better, especially at home.
3. Limit Turnovers- While the Chiefs are in the bottom half of the league in a lot of categories, they are leading the league in forced fumbles, and second in overall takeaways. The last thing the Panthers need is turnovers that gives the Chiefs any type of momentum.
Final Note
The mark of a good team is being able to beat the teams you are supposed to beat. The Carolina Panthers are supposed to beat the Kansas City Chiefs. There is no such thing as an amateur team in the NFL, and any team can beat any other team, so the Panthers can’t get cocky. If they go out and play their game, they should be able to put up some point as pull out a W.
Panthers 31, Chiefs 17
Tags: carolina panthers, nfl, nfl season
