4 key Panthers matchups to watch vs. the Lions in Week 11

The key Carolina Panthers matchups to watch vs. the Detroit Lions in Week 11.

We are now rapidly approaching the business end of the 2020 season. Things aren’t trending in the right direction for the Carolina Panthers and it remains to be seen whether this roster has what it takes to build some positive momentum down the stretch.

Their disappointing loss at home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was their most demoralizing of the campaign so far. It’s clear that frustrations are beginning to show within the locker room and for a coaching staff that must be wondering what they’ve let themselves in for at this juncture.

Any momentum and positivity that came from a three-game winning streak earlier this season has evaporated. Carolina has had a tough schedule – of that there is little doubt – but there will be no excuses against the Detroit Lions at Bank of America Stadium in Week 11 despite the absence of Christian McCaffrey and the prospect of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater also missing out.

Winning the key individual battles is going to be crucial for the Panthers if they want to break their winless streak which now stands at five games. Here are five individual battles to keep a close eye on.

Matchup No. 1

Tre Boston vs. Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford is still dealing with a thumb injury, but the quarterback is steadfast in his belief he can be at close to full strength at the Panthers. There is no denying the former No. 1 overall pick is a forced to be reckoned with some early momentum and it will be up to the Panthers defense to ensure his options are limited on the backend.

There will be plenty of responsibility on the shoulders of Tre Boston, whose play has been less than stellar this season. The safety will be tasked with spying the signal-caller and making sure he is in a position to make the sort of plays that have been missing from his game for large parts of the current campaign.