4 burning questions Panthers fans are asking ahead of Week 11 vs. Ravens

Can the Carolina Panthers build on Week 10 win?

Can we use TNF as a fair assessment of our capability to win games in the remainder of the season? Or are the Falcons on a downward spiral and we just got lucky? – Wilson De Jesus

Thanks for your question, Wilson. I think Thursday night’s game was a mix of both luck and displaying a formula and capability to win football games for the Carolina Panthers long-term.

After the firing of Matt Rhule and Baker Mayfield’s injury earlier in the season, I argued that a game plan involving a downhill rushing attack and winning time of possession would allow the defense to rest and play with more control with less margin for error.

Against the Atlanta Falcons, we saw that come to fruition. The Panthers rushed for 232 yards on 47 attempts thanks to a 130-yard performance from starting running back D’Onta Foreman, while the defense came up with five sacks thanks to a pair apiece from Frankie Luvu and Marquis Haynes Sr.

Haynes Sr., for what it’s worth, should be the starter opposite Brian Burns. This would allow for a much faster pass rush on all three downs.

The biggest thing going forward should be consistency from the quarterback position, the most concerning issue with Carolina’s offense to this point. When he came in for a benched Walker, Mayfield played his best football in the second half versus the Cincinnati Bengals, so all hope is not lost.

If that is the type of play we’re getting from Mayfield this weekend and beyond, Carolina could be in a great spot. This team has shown the capability and effort to make almost every game they’ve played under Steve Wilks competitive.

Will this last? It’s unclear if it does. Though, the next couple of weeks will be telling.