3 keys to victory for the Carolina Panthers vs. Vikings in Week 6
By Noah Bryce
FOX. Sunday, October 17. 87. Panthers +2.0. 2-3. 1 PM ET. 60. 3-2
What are the keys to victory for the Carolina Panthers during their Week 6 game against the Minnesota Vikings?
Well, that turned around quick, didn’t it?
Oh, how times change in the NFL at the drop of a hat. The Carolina Panthers and Sam Darnold went from the darlings of the league to its punching bag in only two games. Throwing five interceptions in two contests tends to do that.
This collapse has stunned fans and sportscasters alike and is baffling to even consider.
The Panthers have led every single game this season going into halftime yet seemed inept in the second half of each contest. Leading to the staggering stat of only scoring once in the third quarter all year.
That stat has ceased to be a simple talking point and has turned into a trend, one that needs to be ended if this team has any aspirations of a playoff run.
Coaching figures to be the biggest issue other than the position that shall not be named.
Trends like this reflect poor adjustments and decision-making during in-game situations. The thing you look for in a coach above all else, the ability to adapt under pressure.
Whether this falls on Matt Rhule or Joe Brady is up for debate. But whoever is to blame needs to figure out how to call a competent game.
The Panthers need a win in the worst way as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to pull away for good in the NFC South and another bad loss just might break Darnold and this young team.
Momentum is fickle and once you lose it, it’s almost impossible to get back. NFL teams can smell the blood in the water and the Panthers just started bleeding.
The Panthers limp into Week 6 to face a Minnesota Vikings team with similar issues that are looking to rewrite the early season script.
Coming off a game with a dominant defense, a 100-yard receiver, and a 100-yard rusher, to go along with a near disaster in the second half, this Vikings team is going to be out for blood and a real challenge for the young Panthers to overcome.
Just how can the Panthers finally get back in the win column and live to fight another week? Let’s take a look at the keys to victory.