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Panthers: 3 burning questions heading into Week 4 matchup vs. Texans

By Josh Altorfer

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 22: Wide receiver DJ Moore #12 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates with teammate Christian McCaffrey #22 after his touchdown catch and run against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of the NFL football game at State Farm Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 22: Wide receiver DJ Moore #12 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates with teammate Christian McCaffrey #22 after his touchdown catch and run against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of the NFL football game at State Farm Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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The Carolina Panthers head into Houston to take on the Texans fresh off of their first victory of the season. The team will need to address some key questions to win the matchup.

The Panthers got their first win of the season in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals. Kyle Allen took over at quarterback and led the team to a 38-20 victory.

It’s no question that the Panthers’ offense was much more effective with Allen throwing the football as opposed to Cam Newton. Allen was 19-for-26 throwing the ball for 261-yards and an impressive four touchdowns.

Allen will start in Week 4 and for the foreseeable future for Carolina. The team hopes to ride off of the momentum it gained in the Week 3 win.

The Houston Texans are 2-1 on the season with some major offensive weapons for the Panthers to account for.

It is too early to put the Panthers in a must-win situation, but it is no question that the team is looking to even its record early on to 2-2. They can do this with a win in Houston.

Read on to see what questions the Panthers need to address in the Week 4 matchup.

1. Can Kyle Allen continue his hot start?

As previously mentioned, Allen had an outstanding first game of the season vs. the Cardinals. Unfortunately, Houston has a much more talented defense than the Cardinals do. J.J. Watt is one of the top pass-rushers in the league and is coming off a game in which he had two sacks against the Los Angeles Chargers.

We’ll get to see how Allen can perform under pressure against one of the better defenses in the NFL. Expect running back Christian McCaffrey to continue his early-season success and take some of the pressure off of the young quarterback.

Allen certainly has a small sample size in the NFL but he has impressed nonetheless. If he plays the way he did last week there is no reason the Panthers can’t come out on top against Houston.

2. Can the Panther’s defense contain Deshaun Watson?

Texans’ quarterback Deshaun Watson is one of the best dual-threats in the league. He is coming off an outstanding game against the Charger in which he passed for 351-yards and three touchdowns.

Watson’s ability to move out of the pocket and extend plays can cause chaos for opposing defenses. When he decides to tuck the ball and run he can be even more of a nightmare. Linebacker Luke Kuechly and Co. have to be ready to defend Watson in the running game.

If the Panthers’ defense can apply consistent pressure on Watson and not let him get outside of the pocket, then they will have a good opportunity of stopping the running threat that he possesses.

3. Can Donte Jackson cover DeAndre Hopkins?

Texans’ wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is one of the best in the game. Cornerback Donte Jackson will be tasked with the challenge of defending Hopkins for most of the game.

If Jackson is able to cover Hopkins in man-to-man coverage, then the Panthers will have the luxury of being able to send extra pass-rushers at Watson.

This matchup will be a major key in the game to watch for.

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