Carolina Panthers vs. Minnesota Vikings: Pregame roundup
Well it is week eight and the Panthers are looking for their third win of the season and first win streak under new head coach Ron Rivera and standing in their way is the Minnesota Vikings and All- Pro running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson is one of the NFL’s top running backs in the league and it will be interesting to see how the Panthers try and stop him, especially due to how bad the Cat’s run defense has been all season.
Both team’s are trotting out rookie quarterbacks with Cam Newton for the Panthers and Christian Ponder for the Vikings. We all know how well Newton has played this season but Ponder did play well in his first career start last week against the Green Bay Packers. He kept the Vikes in the game even though they lost 33-27. If Minnesota is going to win it will be because of Ponder because my guess is that the Panthers will load up the box and try to stop Adrian Peterson.
One positive note is the Panthers should have linebacker Omar Gaither back healthy this week. Gaither missed the last two weeks due to a knee injury but should be back in the starting lineup this week. After already losing Thomas Davis and Jon Beason for the season, Gaither is an important player on the Panther’s defense helping to provide a bit of veteran experience that is much needed.
For the full game preview of the matchup between the Panthers and Vikings check out Seth McConnell’s preview.
We will be updating you with players tweets, the experts picks and general Panthers news all the way up to game time at 1:00 p.m. so continue to check back for more information on the Panthers as they prepare to take on The Vikings in week eight of the NFL season.
INACTIVES
The Panthers just released their inactives for the game. There are no surprises. Backup safety Jordan Pugh who was listed as doubtful for the game with a concussion is indeed out for the game.
Panthers’ inactives: QB Jimmy Clausen, CB Darius Bulter, S Jordan Pugh, RB Mike Goodson, FB Richie Brockel, OT Lee Ziemba, DT Frank Kearse.
Vikings’ inactives: CB Antoine Winfield, KR Lorenzo Booker, LB Xavier Adibi, G Anthony Herrera, OL DeMarcus Love, and DE D’Aundre Reed.
Prediction
— I have been 1-1 the last two weeks picking the Panther to beat the Falcons(incorrect) and then for the Panthers to beat the Washington last week, which I did get right. I actually got extremely close with the score, as I said the Cats would win 31-17, pretty dang close to 33-19 in my opinion. This week I am going to contiue to be a homer and take the Panthers. Ponder is still learning and will make some mistakes the Panthers just have to capitalize and make them hurt. If the Panthers can slow down AP, I know easier said than done, then they should be fine.
So here it is, Panthers win big 34-21
Around the Media World–Carolina Panther Links:
Cat Crave Links
- How different would the Panthers be with Tony Romo behind the helm? Our own Texas native Slate Schwertner takes a look at it.
- There was a lot of red in the stadium last week. See why Carolina Panther fans need to take a bit of extra time to find a suitable buyer for their Panther tickets.
- Cam Newton has only been around for a few months but he has already changed to face of the Carolina Panthers. Is he already an NFL Elite quarterback?
Charlotte Observer
- Steve Smith loves to be angry
- Cam Newton has a lot of critics coming out on college. Check out what he has done to prove the doubters wrong?
Associated Press
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