4 burning questions Carolina Panthers fans are asking ahead of Week 14

What can the Carolina Panthers expect in Seattle?

What are your thoughts on Seattle? – Karl Hungus

Thank you for your question, Karl.

This will be one of the toughest matchups for the Carolina Panthers this season. Throughout the bye week, it seemed like some fans were overlooking the Seattle Seahawks and that it could be a walk in the park in pursuit of a playoff spot.

However, Seattle is not a walk in the park. This is a good football team.

The Seahawks have enjoyed a resurgent season following the preseason expectations that the franchise would endure one of its worst campaigns. Instead, Pete Carroll looks like a legitimate candidate for NFL Coach of the Year.

One factor to the Seahawks’ surprise season is the revitalization of quarterback Geno Smith, who is finally getting the opportunity to be a true No. 1 under center. The signal-caller currently leads the league in completion percentage with 22 touchdown passes and just six interceptions to go along with just over 3,000 passing yards.

All of this is thanks in part to a great group of weapons featuring D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and rookie running back Kenneth Walker III, together with a coaching staff that believes in his abilities. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s unit is currently ninth in yards per game and fifth in points per game.

On defense, think of this group as the USC Trojans of the NFL. A unit that will give up a lot of yards but create an absurd amount of takeaways.

The Seahawks are third in the NFL in turnovers created with rookie cornerback Tariq Woolen being a big part of that with his league-leading six interceptions. Uchenna Nwosu has also been a leading contributor with nine sacks so far this season, which is a career-high.

If you think Seattle is a pushover, as coach Lee Corso would say, “not so fast, my friend”. This will be a very tough matchup for the Panthers, especially for a turnover-prone Sam Darnold and an inconsistent defense.