Welp. Two weeks ago at this time, I could’ve told you that the Panthers were a playoff lock and NFC contenders, and you would’ve believed me. The feeling and outlook of this team has flipped on its head in just ten days, as the Panthers were smoked in Pittsburgh on national television and followed up their “mini-bye” week with a no-show against a hapless Detroit Lions team.
If you’re looking for a silver lininig, the Panthers are not getting blown out in these losses. In each of the past two games, Carolina had the chance to win or tie on the final play. Unfortunately, costly mistakes have taken their toll on this team’s record, forcing them back into a tight NFC Wildcard race as the gauntlet of their schedule looms. As it stands now, the NFC Wildcard should come down to Carolina, Minnesota, the runner-up in the NFC East (Dallas or Washington most likely), and Seattle.
Currently, the 6-4 Panthers hold the tiebreaker and a one-game lead over Dallas and Seattle (5-5) and a half-game lead over Minnesota (5-4-1). Dallas very well may end up winning the NFC East by default, after Washington quarterback Alex Smith went down with a season-ending injury on Sunday. The biggest threat to Carolina in regards to losing their wild-card spot is the Seattle Seahawks, whom they’ll be facing in Charlotte on Sunday.
The Low-Key Rivalry
The Panthers-Seahawks rivalry has been one of the most underrated non-divisional rivalries in the NFL since 2012. Playing a total of seven games between each other over the past 6 seasons, there is no love lost between these NFC foes. Since drafting Russell Wilson in 2012, the Seahawks lead the series with a 4-2 record, outscoring the Panthers 159-110. This series and these games have been much closer than these numbers project, including two Divisional Round playoff matchups that both led to berths in the Super Bowl by each respective winner. This game tends to hold major significance to both teams involved.
Over the years the Panthers and Seahawks have both prided themselves on having stout defenses and mobile quarterbacks. Mirroring each others’ styles catalyzed a mutual respect. This matchup has been a great measuring stick for both parties involved. In 2018, as much significance as this game may hold, it feels like a far cry from a “normal” Seahawks-Panthers matchup.
Compare and Contrast
The Panthers and Seahawks have had very similar approaches to football strategy, strengths, and weaknesses ever since both teams drafted their franchise dual-threat quarterbacks in consecutive seasons. Russell Wilson is an incredible football player. He does everything his team can ask of him, and in some cases, more. But, like Cam Newton, he hasn’t exactly been surrounded by much talent over the years outside of an all-time defense.
After the departure of Marshawn Lynch in 2016, the Seahawks lost their offensive identity to pound defenses in the ground game, but they still had the Legion of Boom to keep them in any game. Led by Richard Sherman, the Seahawks defense was regarded as the best in the league for a six-year stretch. Continuity like that is almost unheard of in the modern NFL. With the safety duo of Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas, the back end of this defense was always a force to be reckoned with. A matchup between LOB and the Panthers, another stout and consistent defense in the NFC, would always make for a great defensive battle. In 2018, LOB is dead and gone. What does this mean for this week?
It’s really hard to tell. Even though the Seahawks roster seems to be decimated, Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll have been able to keep this team afloat for the time being. Linebacker Bobby Wagner is the only vaunted member of LOB that remains. He’s been one of the best in the game, which often goes unnoticed. This probably won’t be like the defensive slugfests of old, but these two similar quarterbacks should create a fun, entertaining game on Sunday.
Keys to Snapping the Losing Streak
Forcing Turnovers
The Panthers defense has been bad the last two weeks. If the unit cannot prevent yards and points, then it needs to start turning the ball over. In losses this year, the Panthers have just one takeaway, a Donte Jackson interception in Atlanta in Week Two. With a defense this bad, turnovers have proven to be a crucial ingredient in Carolina’s winning recipe. They’ll need to force the Seahawks to turn the ball over this week and help the offense with good starting field position.
The Panthers average starting field position on Sunday in Detroit was from the 14-yard line. That’s pathetic. This offense has been rolling, but not even Tom Brady would find a lot of success having to consistently begin drives out of the shadow of his own endzone. The defense tends to be a tone-setter, especially at home. If they can positively impact this game, the Panthers offense seems primed to take advantage of any opportunity.
Involve the Young Blood
Ron Rivera doesn’t typically prefer to lean on young players. This needs to change. With number one receiver Devin Funchess putting on the worst performance of his short career in his hometown and battling a back injury this week, the Panthers should absolutely consider increasing the snaps of D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel.
Moore and Samuel have been on a tear of late, combining on Sunday for 212 yards and two touchdowns on 12 receptions. Add another touchdown to DJ Moore’s day (and the win for that matter) if Devin Funchess blocks his man on Moore’s phenomenal 82-yard catch and run. It’s mind-boggling to see the snap counts of unproductive players on Ron Rivera teams in favor of experience.
Curtis Samuel has five touchdowns on just 21 touches this season. What coach in their right mind would go out of their way to keep this kid off the field? The patients in Carolina needs to be running thin. No team in the league seems to hold themselves back more than the Carolina Panthers do. One step forward with the offensive scheme, three steps backward with the defensive strategy and receiver snap counts. With the probable return of Torrey Smith, these coaches have a big decision to make in regards to snap count. It’s time to unleash these young studs and let this offense flourish. A number one receiver simply shouldn’t drop five consecutive passes in the NFL.
Worst Case Scenario:
The Panthers score on their opening drive for the third straight week, a clear recipe for disaster. A poor pass rush and bad tackling continue to be the story, as Russell Wilson is clearly not done eating, even after Thanksgiving. The offense goes cold turkey as their rushing attempts continue to be stuffed at the line of scrimmage. Torrey Smith takes snaps from Curtis Samuel and DJ Moore and ruins any chemistry the offense has developed in recent weeks. The Panthers extend their losing streak to three games and lose major ground in the NFC Wildcard race. The sky falls.
Best Case Scenario:
We can be thankful for the Panthers again. Pete Carroll’s gum runs out of flavor in the first quarter. The opposition finally has a bad day against the Panthers defense, as Russell Wilson turns the ball over multiple times and struggles playing from behind for most of the day. Graham Gano makes all of his extra points. Funchess remembers to squeeze the ball once it hits his hands. The Panthers home dominance continues as they grasp a firm lead in the NFC Wild Card race heading into a winnable game in Tampa Bay. Chicken Little can rest, as the sky remains intact… for now.
Bolded Predictions:
Score: Panthers 33 Seahawks 28
Offensive MVP: Cam Newton (360 total yards, four total touchdowns)
Defensive MVP: Thomas Davis (eight tackles, one interception, one sack)
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
