5 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers vs. Vikings in Week 6
By Brian Lane
Carolina Panthers defense gives up under 200 yards passing and 100 yards rushing
It was surprising this week that the Carolina Panthers’ defense was the cause of a lot of concern for the Week 5 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. Head coach Matt Rhule indicated in his weekly press conference, that when the team has a lead in the fourth quarter, they should win 100 percent of those games.
What was missing from those comments were the short fields the Panthers defense had to deal with all game thanks to three Sam Darnold interceptions and a blocked punt.
This Panthers defensive unit has held opposing offenses to under 200 passing yards and 100 rushing yards in four of their five games.
Last week in particular was a different assignment for Carolina as they faced mobile quarterback, Jalen Hurts. Something they coped with relatively well.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, on the other hand, will likely sit in the pocket and try and pick out this Panthers secondary. Defensive ends Brian Burns and Haason Reddick are sure to be pinning their ears back and rushing the passer after last week when they had to pick their spots in rushing Hurts in order to contain him inside the pocket.
It is still too early to know if Viking running back Dalvin Cook will be back after missing last week. But Alexander Mattison is plenty able to have a good day on the ground.
This week the Panthers’ defense gets back to their disruptive and aggressive playing style. Hopefully, this enables them to find success in keeping Minnesota under wraps.