4 Things to Look Out for Against the Chiefs
The Carolina Panthers head into tomorrow's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs with an optimistic two-game win streak. The team aims to continue to gain momentum and turn its season around, but the Chiefs represent a formidable obstacle in its path. Here are some things to watch as this game unfolds:
1. The matchup between Kelvin Benjamin and Marcus Peters
Chiefs CB Marcus Peters has blossomed into the player the team was hoping he could be when they drafted him. So far this season, Peters has racked up 5 interceptions and defended 11 passes while shutting down opposing receivers. It's safe to assume that he will be matched up with Benjamin, the Panthers' most threatening receiver. It will be interesting to see how Benjamin will perform against the young corner. Will Newton go at Peters and trust his big target to make plays, or will he shy away from the defensive talent and look for others to step up?
2. How will the O-line handle Dee Ford?
Edge rusher Dee Ford has been a monster this season, collecting 9 sacks though the team's first 8 games (more than half of the Chiefs' total sacks). You shut down Dee, and essentially you shut down the Chiefs' entire pass rush. But this is easier said than done with a less than stellar Panthers offensive line that simply hasn't done a good job of protecting Newton this year. Right tackle Mike Remmers, who has put in some solid performances so far, will certainly have his hands full.
3. Can Jonathan Stewart finally get going against the Chiefs' porous run defense?
After a forgettable game last week against the Rams in which he collected just 42 rushing yards on 15 carries, Stewart will definitely be looking to rebound this week against a vulnerable Chiefs' defense that's giving up on average 125 rushing yards per game. Coming off of a solid 2015 season, Stewart just hasn't been able to perform to expectations so far, due in part to not being 100% healthy after missing time with a hamstring injury. The Panthers need to get the run game going to take some pressure off Cam and spark the offense. Let's see if Stewart is up to the task.
4. Travis Kelce
The Panthers have given up 559 yards and 6 touchdowns to opposing tight ends on the season. These statistics rank among the worst in the league in this category. Against a quality tight end like Kelce who receives a high volume of the Chiefs' targets, the Panthers should be a little worried. Kelce is projected to have a big game against this struggling but improving pass defense, so the Panthers need a response. Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis will need to be on top of their game and stay with the big target to avert some damage.
This will be a tough matchup for Carolina, but if they can continue to improve their play as they have been doing the past couple of weeks, this should be a very interesting and exciting game.
