Carolina Panthers Week 4 preview at Houston Texans
Carolina Panthers Week 4 preview at the Houston Texans.
Backup quarterback Kyle Allen stepped in last week and proved the Carolina Panthers can compete without Cam Newton. Granted, it was against a rebuilding Arizona Cardinals team and Allen faces a much tougher task this week but momentum and confidence go a long way – two factors clearly on the Panthers side right now.
Ruled out indefinitely, Newton may be sidelined for some time and with rookie quarterback Will Grier the only other current option, expectations are the immediate future rests with Allen. Connecting on four touchdown passes last week, the first such scores for Carolina this season, keeping Allen upright and the offense rolling will be key against Houston.
The Texans are riding a two-game win streak after falling in the final seconds to New Orleans during the season opener. Quarterback Deshaun Watson has been impressive and unfortunately for the Panthers, it appears defensive end J.J. Watt is heating up after he tallied two sacks last week.
2019 SEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-2) at HOUSTON TEXANS (2-1)
KICKOFF: Sunday, September 29 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: NRG Stadium (Houston, TX)
WEATHER: Indoor
LAST MEETING: 24-17, PANTHERS – September 20, 2015 (WEEK 2)
WHAT TO WATCH:
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All eyes will be on Allen to see if he can replicate last week’s performance but the Panthers defense needs to shine if they hope to be competitive. Watson has performed well and went toe-to-toe with Drew Brees in the opener, but he’s also been sacked 12 times in three games.
A reconfigured Carolina defense has done well generating pressure and is currently ranked No. 2 in passing defense. A dramatic shift from recent memory, if the secondary can contain receiving threat DeAndre Hopkins and company, then Carolina may even their record.
As Newton rests, the goal has to be for the Panthers to remain in the playoff conversation. As this slate of games expires following Monday night, one-fourth of the schedule will have been played. Plenty of games remain, but Sunday should provide a more accurate vision of the Panthers current state.
Next. Newton Injury Jeopardizes Future. dark
A good showing would make upcoming games against the Jaguars and Buccaneers intriguing. Win, and the notion Carolina could be 4-2 entering the bye week becomes a real possibility.