The Carolina Panther play football again this weekend. Given how the last game turned out, that can be more of a threat than a comfort to some of the fans who were in attendance.
It’s unlikely that the Falcons, who have yet to name a starting QB for this week’s match, will be able to replicate the success Chicago had against Carolina’s defense. Still, the Panthers should treat this as a must-win game, and an opportunity to right the wrongs of the 59 point drubbing they suffered.
Without dwelling too much on last week’s mistakes, let’s take a look at some of Carolina’s keys to victory this weekend.
Keys to Victory
1) Contain
One of the biggest issues against Chicago was Carolina’s failure to contain the run game, both at the line of scrimmage and in the second level. In total, the Panthers allowed 291 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, a mark that can’t be allowed again.
Much of that rushing total came from the Bears being able to break contain; Caleb Williams especially took advantage of some poor run fits on his scrambles.
If D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, who I want to be clear are both good players, were able to each muster 100+ rushing yards, what will Bijan Robinson do to this team if they make the same mistakes?
In a game where the starting quarterback is unknown, Atlanta is even more likely to rely upon their star running back. If Carolina wants to get their first Week 2 win since 2021, containing Bijan Robinson is a must.
2) Balance the attack
As good as Bryce Young seems to be in Atlanta, having your quarterback throw for 350+ yards and amassing 4 touchdowns every week isn’t necessarily sustainable.
Against a defense bereft of many players on the line, Carolina has to get the running game going to compliment what we saw out of the passing game.
Despite some relative success, Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks combined for only 63 rushing yards on 14 carries (4.5ypc). Leaning more on the run, and switching up the usage rate of the backs (Hubbard’s 10 carries to Brooks’ 4) can provide a good answer if teams are able to take away the pass later in the season.
Plus, it’ll be good to ramp up Jonathon Brooks early, as the team will likely need some of the explosive plays he provides as the season progresses.
3) Figure out the return situation
Football is a game of three phases, and Carolina’s return game has been a point that has been discussed dating back to last season.
Jimmy Horn’s play in the preseason seemed to indicate that he would be the answer, but when the bullets were flying in Week One, Horn blundered when given the opportunity.
After one muffed punt, a near-fumble on the other, and a moment where Horn seemed to not know the play call, the Panthers have waived the former 6th round pick.
Currently, John Metchie III is slated as the team’s primary returner in both the punt and kickoff groups. According the team’s most recent depth chart, it seems that Bryce Young’s former Alabama teammate will be making his season debut this week.
This is a big opportunity for both Metchie and the Panthers. If Metchie can provide stability in the return game, the Panthers will have a much more sound performance in the special teams phases of the game.
4) Clean/Limit mistakes
While Horn’s fumble was crucial in the Bears piling on points, it was far from the only significant error. Including the failed 4th down attempt that was close to field goal range, Carolina registered four turnovers to Chicago’s two.
Turnover margin is one of the most explanatory variables when looking at wins and losses. Giving the opponent an extra drive while simultaneously losing a drive of your own significantly shrinks your chance at scoring points.
Against Chicago, each of the turnovers, aside from Young’s interception before the half, led to points for the Bears. Similar play throughout the rest of the season will be unsustainable.
The good news for Carolina is that Atlanta’s defense has already been dealt heavy blows up front. However, the secondary, comprised of players such as Jessie Bates III, Xavier Watts, and AJ Terrell, is extremely opportunistic when searching to create turnovers.
Carolina will have to hammer the fundamentals this week in practice, cleaning up the fumbles along the way if the Panthers are going to pull off the road win.
Since the betting lines for Week 2 opened, Carolina has moved from a 1.5 point underdog to a 2.5 point favorite. It seems like the market likes Carolina’s chances at stealing a road division game.
Carolina’s offense, particularly Bryce Young, has had strong performances in Atlanta over the last two seasons. If the team can clean up the self-inflicted errors forced against Chicago, the Panthers could be looking at their first win before Week 3 since Sam Darnold was at quarterback.