Carolina Panthers Week 5 preview vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Carolina Panthers Week 5 preview versus the Jacksonville Jaguars.
After starting the year with consecutive home losses, the Carolina Panthers enter Week 5 on the heels of back-to-back road wins. The first such victories since Weeks 8 and 9 last season, hopefully Carolina can continue their current momentum at home against a Jacksonville Jaguars team in a similar state.
Coming off a couple wins of their own after dropping two out of the gate, Jacksonville presents a tough test on both sides of the football. Defensively, Carolina needs to contain running back Leonard Fournette and force rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew to move the football with his arm. When Carolina has the ball they’ll continue leaning on second-year signal caller Kyle Allen who is vying for his fourth consecutive starting victory.
Both teams have been dealing with injuries throughout this relatively young season, losing their expected starting quarterbacks (Cam Newton and Nick Foles) early. In addition, the Panthers were dealt another blow this week when defensive tackle Kawann Short was placed on Injured Reserve and the Jaguars may be without All Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey when they take the field.
2019 SEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (2-2) vs. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (2-2)
KICKOFF: Sunday, October 6 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: 90 degrees, 61% humidity, 6mph ENE wind, 10% precipitation
LAST MEETING: 20-9, PANTHERS – September 13, 2015 (WEEK 1)
WHAT TO WATCH:
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The fears with Allen under center subsided somewhat after a win against the Houston Texans but his ball protection has been suspect recently. Fumbling five times in two weeks with some caused by protection issues, keeping him upright and the ball safely in the Panthers possession is important.
Against a solid Jacksonville defensive front, giving Allen time to operate in the pocket will greatly help Carolina. Not only does it allow for him to find open receivers but if Ramsey isn’t on the field, the Panthers could take a few shots down the field as well.
The uncertainty on how Allen was going to adapt and how the team would respond without Newton has subsided but the defense cannot be relied on to continually mask offensive mistakes. A good start, generating some points on the opening drive, and continuing to put pressure on the Jaguars to play catch-up should benefit the Panthers.
Next. Newton Injury Jeopardizes Future. dark
Two games separate Carolina from their bye week and following last week’s win, the opportunity to be 4-2 at that point remains alive.