4 keys to a shock Carolina Panthers victory at the Bills in Week 15
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers must make life difficult for Josh Allen
There is some slight doubt as to whether Josh Allen will take his place under center. The quarterback is currently dealing with a foot injury, although the Buffalo Bills remain optimistic he’ll be able to go in a must-win game for their playoff hopes.
However, the Carolina Panthers might see Allen’s injury as something they can take advantage of. But this only happens if the defensive front makes life extremely difficult for the former first-round pick.
Allen is a mismatch nightmare given his arm strength and physical running style. He’s thrown for 3,524 yards and 28 touchdowns this season and also has 531 rushing yards and four scores from 87 carries in 2021.
Keeping Allen guessing is the major factor here.
Phil Snow needs to come up with a game plan that Allen and the Bills aren’t ready for. And we’ve seen plenty of times this season how good Carolina’s defense can be with productive pass-rushing and solid coverage in the secondary.
This is arguably the toughest game the Panthers have faced all season. The Bills might possess a 7-6 record, but they were competing for the AFC Championship last year and the team wants to finish the campaign on a high note in pursuit of making a similar impression when the playoffs begin.
Allen does take risks. So if turnover opportunities come Carolina’s way at any stage, it’s absolutely vital they make the most of them and not fluff their lines in a similar fashion to what we saw in Week 14.