5 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers vs. Patriots in Week 9

Carolina Panthers hold Damien Harris to under 50 yards

The New England Patriots appear to have unearthed another gifted running back in Damien Harris. His production this season from a starting role has been nothing short of outstanding and the Carolina Panthers need to take his threat extremely seriously if they want to emerge with their fifth win of the campaign.

Harris already has 517 rushing yards and six touchdowns from 118 carries. The former third-round pick out of Alabama is a big play waiting to happen every time he touches the football and if he’s afforded enough space, the player can penetrate gaps quickly and break off significant yardage in the open field.

Carolina has to focus their attention on Harris and worry about the rest later.

Their best way of winning is by putting the game in Mac Jones’ hands. This can be done by piling pressure on the rookie quarterback and forcing him to make mistakes.

The Panthers restricted Mike Davis and Cordarrelle Patterson to 44 and 35 rushing yards respectively at the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8. Although Harris’ talents are far superior, the return of outside linebacker Shaq Thompson to the second level made a substantial difference.

This is a big challenge for Phil Snow’s unit. But holding Harris under 50 yards would put the Panthers in an incredibly strong position.