Carolina heads into bye undefeated; looking to explode in week 5
by Crimsion | 8 years ago | 1 Comments
Few would have expected the Carolina Panthers to get through the early quarter of their schedule undefeated, but they've done just that. Traveling to both Cincinnati and Philadelphia was no easy task for teams prior, but the Cam Newton lead Panthers were able to secure wins late in both contests.
In order for the Panthers to be in such a position they had to rely on the play of none other than Cam Newton. The 7th year quarterback has made ball security one of his top priorities this season, turning it over only twice, with both coming against the Bengals last week.
The run game still doesn't have a face for these Panthers as both of their featured backs in Kevin Barnard and Terrence West have yet to eclipse the 100 yard mark on the season. Barnard lead all backs with 80 yards, but will be out of order for the next 2 weeks with a dislocated knee.
During the pre-season the Panthers looked to Cameron Artis-Payne to be the workhorse out of the backfield and with this Barnard injury they may just look to him once again.
Attacking through the air hasn't been an issue for Jordan Charles' sqaud, Kelvin Benjamin has been found 13 times on the year, totalling 267 yards and 2 TDs. Devin Funchess has begun to come into his own and is looking to rightfully take on the number 2 receiver role full time.
Although their offense has been more consistent than ever, it's been their defense that has saved them during this early run. Lead by a veteran in Jonathan Joseph the secondary has been playing better than ever, ranking in the top 10 when it comes to passing yards per game.
Now in his second season defensive end Trey Beriault is looking more and more like the defensive leader the Panthers needed to aid Luke Kuechly. The LSU product has recorded 2 sacks through games, falling only behind defensive tackle Kawaan Short who has 3.
Carolina doesn't have an easy match-up coming off of their bye as they'll look to go toe-to-toe with Brandin Cooks and the New Orleans Saints.
