Panthers: 3 burning questions heading into Week 9 matchup vs. Titans

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 04: Luke Kuechly #59 and teammate Donte Jackson #26 of the Carolina Panthers react against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 27: Tevin Coleman #26 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball for a 22 yard gain before he’s tackled by Tre Boston #33 of the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on October 27, 2019, in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Question 2: Can the Panthers’ defense stop the run?

The Carolina defense was absolutely decimated by the 49ers running attack in Week 8. San Francisco’s Running back Tevin Coleman ran for over 100 yards and three touchdowns on just 11 carries.

It goes without saying that the Panthers’ run defense has to be better if they are going to beat the Titans.

The Titans have a very good running back in Derrick Henry. Henry’s 581 yards on the ground are good enough for ninth in the NFL.

The focus of the Panthers’ defensive scheme has to be on slowing down Henry. Tannehill has gotten off to a good start in his Titans career, but make no mistake about it the Titans are a run-first team.

If the Panthers can put last week’s struggle against the run behind them, then they will put themselves in a very good position to come out with the Week 9 win.

Home/Carolina Panthers News