What are some of the big storylines to watch when the Carolina Panthers make their daunting trip to the Buffalo Bills in Week 15?
There doesn’t appear much hope for the Carolina Panthers in Week 15 as they prepare for one of their toughest tests of the 2021 season so far. The Buffalo Bills may not be taking the league by storm as many predicted prior to the campaign, but they still possess a wealth of dangerous playmakers on both sides of the ball that are capable of taking over a game.
This represents a significant challenge for the Panthers, one which has been made worse by the team’s current form that’s seen their playoff hopes virtually extinguished barring a miracle. Carolina seems to perform a little better away from home and with the odds stacked against them, so extra freedom and little pressure could be the making of this group in a tough climate up north.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen is ready to go and doesn’t carry an injury designation into the contest. Both teams are also relatively unscathed regarding the surge in COVID-19 outbreaks across the league so far.
Without further ado, here are four key storylines to watch closely as the Panthers look to pull off a big-time upset this weekend.
Storyline No. 1
Carolina Panthers meeting familiar faces
The Bills have drawn the name “Carolina Panthers North” following the appointment of Sean McDermott as head coach and Brandon Beane as general manager. Not only this, but a host of former Panthers players are now plying their trade in Buffalo, which only adds to the intrigue of the Week 15 game.
Just how much of a say this will have during the contest remains to be seen. And the regime in Carolina has changed since McDermott occupied the role of defensive coordinator before his well-earned promotion.
That being said, there is sure to be plenty of pride at stake regarding these familiar faces, so it’s something worth watching as the game develops.