Carolina Panthers: 3 Jaguars to watch against the Panthers

The Panthers will certainly have their hands full.

Two weeks, two wins. The Carolina Panthers are about one game away from rejoining the playoff conversation. The first quarter of the season could have gone better, but there’s a lot for Panthers fans to be excited about with the next quarter starting this week. First off, the Panthers boast the NFC offensive player of the month. Second, the offensive aerial trident we have with Jarius Wright, Curtis Samuel, and DJ Moore is quietly taking compelling strides. Last, but certainly not least, the defense is…well, they look amazing.

The Panthers have managed all of this while missing the crown jewel of the entire team. He’ll return in due time, but in the meantime his reliable backup will be at the helm. This week we face another AFC South team, the Jacksonville Jaguars. The strange coincidences continue this week as our brethren expansion team also sits third in their division at 2-2, the team managed two straight wins with a backup QB, the star running back from the 2017 draft class is the team’s biggest producer, and they didn’t have their mouthy corner last week. However, their two wins didn’t come by luck. Keep an ear out for these three Jaguars this Sunday:

#56, Quincy Williams

This year the Jaguars made a serious point to improve their linebacking corps, first by recruiting Josh Allen and then by inking Myles Jack to a lucrative extension. Additionally, there was a pleasant surprise from the 2019 draft that afforded the Jaguars another starting linebacker. Yes, the Jaguars didn’t just get lucky in the sixth round with Minshew, they also got lucky with the ninety-eighth pick of the 2019 draft, Quincy Williams.

After missing the preseason the former safety adapted to the weakside linebacker position and currently leads the team in tackles. We could very well see him lined up against the Panthers’ 2019 sixth-round draft pick. Williams will definitely be looking to extend his tenure as the Jaguars’ tackle leader, so you can bet he will be pinned on McCaffrey all day.

#17, DJ Chark Jr.

The Jaguars’ 2018 second-round draft pick is quietly having a good year through the air.
He leads the team in receiving yards, even passing the former Chief, Chris Conley.
The Broncos were the first team this year to hold him to no touchdowns despite the Jaguars making a serious point to get him the ball when the opportunity arises. It’s no coincidence that he was also held to the least amount of yards last week in a close game that ended in a Jaguars victory. This week he will face the top-ranked pass defense in the league. His containment will be key to a Panthers victory.

#68, Andrew Norwell

After 2017 the Panthers arguably made one of the worst decisions in franchise history when they let go of Trai Turner’s bestie. Andrew Norwell was a key piece of the Panthers from 2014 through 2017 as he consistently helped make the Panthers’ offense a contender in the NFC. Unfortunately, his price rose too high for the Panthers to match the offer made by the Jaguars. Good for him on getting that bag, though.

Rather than just the left guard position, watch the entire left side of the offensive line for the Jaguars. The Panthers will have to match their weak run defense with the Jaguars’ above-average rush offense. Additionally, the Panthers will have to rely on Vernon Butler to consistently close the gap against the Jaguars’ left side. Luckily he is being backed up by the venerable tackling machine, Luke Kuechly, and revered defensive end, Bruce Irvin. If the Sackstreet Boys don’t show up, we might extend the home loss streak.