Which members of the Carolina Panthers could be classed as the most important during their Week 3 encounter at the Los Angeles Chargers?
It might not be do-or-die for the Carolina Panthers just yet, but that time is getting pretty close.
The organization underwent substantial changes during the offseason in a bid to get out of their concerning slump. But with the Carolina Panthers starting the season at 0-2, their current losing run is second-worst in the NFL at ten games. This isn’t exactly the confidence boost this young roster needed before their longest road trip of the season at the Los Angeles Chargers, who are full of confidence after taking the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs down to the wire last weekend.
This is a stiff challenge that sees them as heavy underdogs once again. And if they were to taste defeat then it would pose some serious questions about where their elusive first win of the campaign is going to come from.
The Panthers were always going to be a work in progress this season. They are in year one of Matt Rhule’s rebuild and although the head coach has a proven track record of turning around struggling college programs at Temple and Baylor, this didn’t happen overnight.
However, patience is not normally a virtue associated with NFL fans.
Carolina’s loyal supporters have been put through the wringer in recent months. Ron Rivera was fired, Luke Kuechly retired, and legendary figures such as Greg Olsen and Cam Newton were shipped out during the free agency period.
This has left the current roster detached from their fans, which has only been made worse by not being able to attend games initially as COVID-19 health measures remain in place. But their fears can be alleviated with victory at the incredible SoFi Stadium in Week 3.
Let’s take a look at the four Panthers players who could be classed as the most important later today.
Taylor Moton – Carolina Panthers OT
There is plenty of responsibility on the shoulders of Taylor Moton in this one. The right tackle has enjoyed a tremendous start to the 2020 season. But he faces his toughest test to date in the form of Joey Bosa.
With Melvin Ingram missing the game after being placed on reserve/injured, the onus will be on Bosa to produce the goods even more. There is not much anyone can do to prevent him from getting in the backfield at some stage. But if Moton can hold his own and thwart his threat as much as possible, it could give the Carolina Panthers half a chance of securing success.
Moton is now undeniably one of the NFL’s best young protectors. He has steadily improved with every passing year and a huge new deal is sure to be in the offing next spring if the player continues on this upward curve in the coming months.
Spotrac predicts Moton to command an annual salary of $14 million per season when he heads to the bargaining table. The Panthers would be wise to give in to whatever demands he has and a standout showing against one of the league’s best pass-rushers on Sunday is only going to enhance his growing reputation.
Bosa is a relentless force on the edge who has more than lived up to his billing after a sensational college career at Ohio State. He tends to get his slice of the pie more often than not. But it will be up to Moton to ensure that his influence is minimal.
Mike Davis – Carolina Panthers RB
Losing Christian McCaffrey for the next 4-6 weeks is nothing short of a disaster for the Carolina Panthers. The running back is the focal point of their offense and an inspiration to those around him during times of trouble.
However., as the old saying goes, one man’s loss is another’s opportunity.
Mike Davis will not be thrust into the limelight as the Panthers’ primary option, which is hard to believe when one considers his place on the 53-man roster was put into question before training camp.
The veteran impressed the coaching staff enough to surge up the depth chart and preserve his $3 million in base salary for the 2020 season in the process. Davis proved more than capable in the passing game late on at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, bringing in eight receptions for 74 yards as Teddy Bridgewater checked down to him plenty with the game on the line.
This is a completely different challenge for Davis, who hasn’t been a No. 1 option for some time. He does have all the physical attributes needed to make a real go of this chance. But it is hard to gauge just how much of an impact he can have until we see how the player is utilized on the field.
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady needs to find the right sort of balance to ensure the Chargers’ defense stays honest in McCaffrey’s absence. They don’t have to load the box on almost every down with the All-Pro on the sidelines, and this has the chance to complicate matters in the passing game if Davis becomes a non-factor.
Joey Slye – Carolina Panthers K
This is a game that might come down to fine margins if the Carolina Panthers can stay competitive. They need to make every chance count and this means that Joey Slye has to be at the top of his game.
The kicker has been consistent so far this season despite missing an extra point in Week 1. Slye has made all four of his field-goal attempts during the campaign so far, which includes two from between 40-49 yards.
Although the Panthers need to be more clinical in the red zone, having a dependable presence such as Slye to put valuable points on the board when required is a tremendous asset to have. The second-year-pro won the confidence of the coaching staff in favor of veteran Graham Gano, who is now with the New York Giants. And it has proved to be the correct decision so far.
Slye will need to keep up this momentum at the Chargers to give his team any chance of coming away with a surprise victory. The early signs are positive regarding his ability to make the position his own for an extended period of time. But he will be all-too-aware of just how fickle NFL teams are when it comes to kickers who go through some sort of slump at any stage.
The NFL is a ruthless business and those operating kicking jobs to bear more of the brunt than others when things aren’t going according to plan. Slye has the potential to make a real difference in this one providing the Panthers are able to move the chains consistently.
Robby Anderson – Carolina Panthers WR
Robby Anderson has made a sensational start to life with the Carolina Panthers. The wide receiver has been a tremendous asset after signing a two-year, $20 million deal in free agency and this has only heightened expectations regarding his potential going forward.
The former New York Jet is thriving with better offensive weapons around him. Anderson has eclipsed the 100-yard receiving mark in both starts in Carolina so far and there could be even more to come once chemistry with Teddy Bridgewater improves in the coming weeks.
With Christian McCaffrey missing his first start since entering the NFL in 2017. There will be even more responsibility for the Panthers’ potent weapons in the passing game to reach their expected level of performance.
Anderson has quickly risen to an indispensable member of the roster and even though there will be more attention on him thanks to his hot start, the former Temple man needs to find the answers needed to put up significant numbers.
The player’s confidence has never been higher, and the Chargers cornerback duo of Casey Hayward and Chris Harris do have their moments when it comes to mistakes. Much will depend on how much time Bridgewater gets in the pocket with Joey Bosa chasing him down. But another strong outing for Anderson is not out of the realms of possibility.