Week 11 Preview: Panthers vs. Lions

Carolina Keys to the Game:

On offense, the Panthers have to protect Cam Newton and give him time to go through his progressions. The coaching staff also must change up the offensive calls consistently. The Tennessee Titans may have found the kryptonite to Cam Newton by placing a spy on him for the majority of their match-up in Week 10. I would expect to see Detroit showcase similar packages. However, it is up to offensive coordinator, Rob Chudzinski and the rest of the coaching staff to put together a game-plan that will make Newton and the rest of the Panther offense successful no matter what scheme the defense throws at them. I would expect to see the Panthers run early and often as the Lions come into the game with the NFL’s 27th ranked rushing defense compared to their 4th ranked passing defense.

On defense the Panthers must know where Calvin Johnson is at all times. The talented, big-play receiver should be double covered for most of the game in hopes of eliminating Detroit’s number one offensive weapon. The Panthers may actually be able to get away with doubling Johnson most of the day because they may be able to rely on their defense to shut down the less than impressive Detroit running game which comes in ranked 27th in the NFL averaging just under 100 yards per game of rushing offense.

Quick Stats

Panthers Offensive Rankings:

Passing Offense: 8th, 272 ypg
Rushing Offense: 8th, 128 ypg

Panthers Defensive Rankings:

Passing Defense: 14th, 224 ypg
Rushing Defense: 28th, 138 ypg

Lions Offensive Rankings:

Passing Offense: 9th, 266 ypg
Rushing Offense: 27th, 94 ypg

Lions Defensive Rankings:

Passing Defense: 4th, 184 ypg
Rushing Defense: 27th, 134 ypg

Prediction: Carolina will fall to 2-8 following a 27-24 loss to the Lions