Carolina Panthers Week 14 prediction, what to watch and how
Carolina Panthers Week 14 preview and prediction at Cleveland Browns.
Four games remain in the Carolina Panthers season and depending on the results, perhaps the Ron Rivera era. After working through half the regular season with a 6-2 record, Carolina hasn’t found the win column since. Four consecutive losses have created a slide out of the playoff picture and into the hot seat.
Rivera has already taken action to right the ship but it may be to little, too late. Two defensive coaches were let go and he has assumed control of the defensive play calls moving forward. A risky move, but the head coach can’t hide behind coordinators, so if Rivera is going down – he’s going to go down swinging.
Cleveland has given their fans hope behind rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield and a team that seems to have a lot more fight than recent Browns editions. Another win would tie for the franchise most since 2007, other than one seven-win season in 2014. There is also an opportunity to not finish last in the AFC North for the first time since 2010 with a few more victories.
2018 SEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (6-6) at CLEVELAND BROWNS (4-7-1)
KICKOFF: Sunday, December 9 at 1:00 PM ET
TV: FOX Broadcast Coverage Map
ONLINE: FuboTV Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!
LOCATION: FirstEnergy Stadium (Cleveland, OH)
WEATHER: 37 degrees, 60% humidity, 8mph ENE wind, 0% precipitation
LAST MEETING: 17-13, PANTHERS – December 21, 2014 (WEEK 16)
WHAT TO WATCH:
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Two things will determine the outcome of this football game for the Panthers and it fortunately plays into the favor of Rivera and his coaching philosophy – the run game and defense. Both areas of focus and their performance will either leave Carolina with a glimmer of hope or seemingly sink the entire ship on Sunday.
Last week it became increasingly apparent that quarterback Cam Newton cannot throw the football down the field. Only 10 pass attempts were made in excess of 15-yards, he completed two with three interceptions. On Sunday, Christian McCaffrey will have to carry the load – the team success depends on it.
The Panthers have allowed over 30-points per game in their last four causing Rivera to take over the defensive play calls at some point in the second half at Tampa Bay. After an opening drive touchdown to start the second half, the Buccaneers punted four times – twice going three-and-out. Continuing that momentum and limiting the rookie offensive duo of Mayfield and running back Nick Chubb will be vital to winning the football game.
Next. Performance Analysis - Offense. dark
For Carolina, it seems the season has hinged on performances from the past two weeks. A home loss to Seattle hurt but hope remained against Tampa Bay. Another loss, and somehow the Panthers are still in the playoff picture. An optimistic approach but one that ends with a Cleveland win and potentially ignites new owner David Tepper to make a move. Fortunately, Rivera and the Panthers delay any action with a victory, albeit in another close game.
PREDICTION: Carolina Panthers – 27, Cleveland Browns – 24