What Are the Three Keys to a Panthers Victory in Week Three?
The Panthers have a massive game in Week Three. This is their first home game and against a division rival. The Panthers need a win here and must demonstrate the progress everyone is looking for. With injuries to instrumental players on the offensive line, the Panthers have their work cut out for them.
Protect Bryce Young
With Robert Hunt and Austin Corbett on injured reserve, there is a gargantuan hole in the offensive line. The Atlanta Falcons have spent the last few years bolstering their defensive line and pass rush. The Falcons have used this revamped D-line to great success through two games. The Falcons’ pass rush was on full display against the Vikings in Week Two. The defense totaled six sacks, four turnovers, 16 QBPs, and had a 53.3% QBP rate. It is hard to see how the Panthers' offensive line will be able to handle the pass rush down two starters.
Contain the Run
Containing the run is the most essential key to victory here. Star running back Bijan Robinson destroyed the Vikings’ defense in Week Two. Robinson has 143 rushing yards with an average of 6.5 yards per carry. The Panthers’ defense has historically been bad against the run. In Week One, the Jaguars’ Travis Etienne gashed the Panthers’ defense for 143 rushing yards. In Week Two, there was much improvement, keeping the Cardinals under 100 rushing yards. Robinson is one of the best running backs in the league, and shutting him down is key to slowing down their offense as a whole. The Panthers' secondary has been shutting down top receivers so far this season. The biggest issue is that they leave the middle of the field open and leave running lanes open. The defensive line cannot give Robinson any sort of space. If you give him an inch, he will run away with a yard.
Unlocking the Offense
The Panthers’ offense has been subpar so far. There has been an inability to move the ball and score when it matters most. The offensive talent is there, mostly. Xavier Legette is not improving to where the Panthers need him to be. Legette’s target share is much too high for the level of production he is capable of. Young and the Panthers desperately need him to take a step forward to open up the offense. The Panthers are a passing team, with 94 of their 138 plays being passing plays, and continuing to use budding superstar Tetairoa McMillian is paramount. The Falcons' starting cornerback, AJ Terrell, is out of this game. The secondary will be soft, leaving an opportunity for the Panthers' passing attack to flourish. Once they can get the passing game going, they will be able to utilize star running back Chuba Hubbard, which is the second vital part of their offense. Teams do not fear the Panthers’ passing attack, which is affecting Hubbard’s effectiveness.
The outcome will have enormous ramifications for the Panthers. I find it hard to see Panthers’ owner David Tepper keeping Canales much longer after a 0-3 start to the season. I believe a blowout loss will see defensive coordinator Ejire Evero out of a job. Tepper fired coach Frank Reich halfway through his first season as head coach. We could see Bryce Young shipped out before Canales is fired, since Young was not picked under Canales’s regime. Regardless, this must be a win week for the Panthers.
