Carolina Panthers Week 1 preview vs. Los Angeles Rams
Carolina Panthers Week 1 preview versus the Los Angeles Rams.
Until last year, the Carolina Panthers had not hosted an NFL regular season home opener since 2013, but now get their second in a row. However, it comes at a good time for the visiting Los Angeles Rams, who don’t have to make a cross-country flight mid-year but arrive rested and fully prepared for the first game that counts.
The defending NFC champions enter with hopes of competing for a third consecutive divisional title and returning to the championship game but much like the Panthers, have questions about injuries on offense.
Carolina fans have to be concerned about quarterback Cam Newton, who exited preseason game three with an ankle injury – adding to questions about his surgically repaired shoulder. For the Rams, running back Todd Gurley returns from a knee injury that hampered him throughout the end of last year and due to coach Sean McVay’s willingness to let starters sit out a majority of the preseason, he’s yet to be really tested.
2019 SEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-0) vs. LOS ANGELES RAMS (0-0)
KICKOFF: Sunday, September 8 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: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
WEATHER: 89 degrees, 52% humidity, 5mph SE wind, 10% precipitation
LAST MEETING: 13-10, PANTHERS – November 6, 2016 (WEEK 9)
WHAT TO WATCH:
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On offense, all eyes will be on Newton and if he’s at 100-percent following the ankle injury. Having made an impact in the league by making plays with his feet, if Newton is reduced to staying in the pocket, it could make for a long day – especially with concerns about his protection against a top rated defense.
Los Angeles had one of the best offenses in the league last season and return a majority of their key starters. Provided Gurley is recovered, slowing down this unit could be troublesome for the revamped Carolina defense.
Switching from their base 4-3 to a 3-4, this defensive front will likely be tested early and often through the run game to help quell any potential pass rush. A move made by Panthers coach Ron Rivera in an attempt to bring more pressure, the play calling matchup between a veteran defensive coach and young offensive mind should be fun to watch.
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A difficult game for the Panthers to open the season should provide both teams with a good indication of what to expect as the rest of the schedule plays out.