The Panthers were swept by a combined score of 50-17 by the Saints last year!  That doesn’t matter now as the Panthers look like a brand new team this year.  The Panthers are going to have to play an almost perfect game to beat the Saints this Sunday.  Here is a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Panthers have the ball:  I know they won’t do it, but the Panthers would be smart to run the ball a lot more than usual against the Saints.  The Saints are only giving up 94.0 yards rushing per game but 4.6 yards per carry.  DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart could each have big games if the coaching staff lets them.  The offensive line is going to have to protect Cam Newton well in this game if he’s going to have a chance to lead them to victory.  The Saints blitz from all over the field and they have 13 sacks already this year.  Newton will likely be taking short shots to TEs Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen a lot in this game to keep the Saints’ D honest.  Steve Smith will likely be double covered most of the game, but that doesn’t mean he won’t make his fair share of plays with the ball…because he will.

When the Saints have the ball:  The Panthers are going to have to get a good rush on Drew Brees without blitzing too much in this game.  Especially when Darren Sproles is on the field, because he is deadly on the edges of the defense in both the running and passing game.  The Panthers’ secondary is going to have a hard time against Drew Brees because he doesn’t really have a favorite receiver as that changes by the week.  Devery Henderson, Marques Colston, Lance Moore and Robert Meachem are each capable of dominating a football game.  TE Jimmy Graham is also turning into a major force for the Saints this year, which gives the Panthers’ D quite a bit to think about.

PREDICTION:  SAINTS 33, PANTHERS 27

This is going to be a very interesting game with the Panthers coming off their first victory in a swamp in Carolina last weekend over the Jaguars.  The Bears are licking their wounds after getting beat up at Soldier Field by the Packers.  Here is a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Panthers have the ball:  The Bears have had huge issues on pass defense as they are giving up 277.3 yards passing per game so far this year.  They are also having big time trouble with TEs, so look for Cam Newton to be looking to drop off passes to Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey early and often in this game.  Cam Newton is going to have to get rid of the ball a little quicker than usual as ex-Panthers’ DE Julius Peppers and the rest of the Bears’ D-Line is going to be bringing a lot of heat.  That might mean that WRs Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell will have to catch shorter passes and make something happen after the grab.  It would really help the Panthers’ offense if they start handing the ball off more to DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart, to help balance the offense and slow the Bears’ pass rush a little bit.

When the Bears have the ball:  The Bears are going to probably come out trying to run the ball with Matt Forte quite a bit due to the Panthers’ problems at LB.  Forte also leads the Bears in receiving with 22 grabs for 287 yards (13.0 avg) with 1 TD grab, which is going to put even more pressure on the LBs of the Panthers.  The Panthers need to bring it in the pass rush as Jay Cutler is a little skittish in the pocket due to him already being sacked 14 times this year.  If Cutler has time to throw the ball, he’s going to likely torch a Panthers’ secondary that is allowing 239.7 passing years per game so far this year and opposing QBs have a 108.9 rating against them so far this year.

PREDICTION:  BEARS 24, PANTHERS 17

This will be a very interesting ballgame as the Jaguars are a running team with a solid defense and the Panthers are a passing team with no defense.  Rookie QB Blaine Gabbert will be making his NFL debut as a starting QB for the Jaguars and the Panthers hope to confuse him with coverages and blitzes.  Here is a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Panthers have the ball:  I don’t see the Panthers changing their style of offense this weekend despite going up against a solid D.  The Panthers are likely going to try to throw the ball a lot early in this game to try to get on the scoreboard and screw up the Jaguars’ offensive game plan.  The Panthers would be smart to mix things up a little more this week and get DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart more involved in this game to try to keep the Jaguars’ defense honest and to slow the pass rush a bit.  Newton will have to be careful when throwing CB Rashean Mathis’ way as he is one of the best corners in the NFL and he will bring out his bag of tricks just like Charles Woodson did last weekend.  Still, that isn’t going to stop Newton from aiming for Steve Smith (14 rec, 334 yards, 2 TDs).  WR Brandon LaFell and TEs Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen are going to get their looks in the passing game too.

When the Jaguars have the ball:  The Jaguars are averaging 137.5 yards rushing per game and they know the Panthers are hurting at linebacker.  The Panthers are expecting a very heavy dose of Maurice Jones-Drew and Deji Karim in this game.  If they can’t stop the Jaguars’ running game, they could be in deep trouble this Sunday.  TE Marcedes Lewis is likely to return this weekend as well as starting WR Jason Hill.  That will give rookie QB Blaine Gabbert a lot of options against a Panthers’ D that is giving up 295.0 yards passing per game this year.

PREDICTION:  JAGUARS 23, PANTHERS 20

The Panthers played hard but they lost last weekend against the Cardinals.  Breakdowns defensively and on special teams ruined the fact that Cam Newton threw for 422 yards in his NFL debut.  This weekend is going to be a much tougher test for Cam Newton and the rest of the Panthers.  Here’s a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Panthers have the ball:  The Panthers really need to get back to running the ball this weekend.  The defense is going to have huge issues in dealing with the Packers’ offense, so it would be smart of the Panthers to try to play keepaway with the ball.  DeAngelo Williams (12 carries, 30 yards, 2.5 ypc) and Jonathan Stewart (7 carries, 26 yards, 3.7 ypc) will need to step up against a Packers’ D that only allowed 81 yards on 21 carries (3.7 ypc) against the Saints.  Steve Smith (8 rec, 178 yards, 2 TDs) is going to be covered by CB Tramon Williams.  Newton is going to have to be careful when throwing to Smith as Williams is a playmaker on D for the Pack.  Newton should have success using the TEs against Nick Collins and Morgan Burnett of the Packers.  Newton will have to make quick and solid decisions as OLBs Clay Matthews and Erik Walden are going to he chasing him around the whole game.

When the Packers have the ball:  The Panthers are going to have to put some pressure on Aaron Rodgers or the DBs are going to have a long day.  DEs Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy are going to have to beat the Packers’ OTs and get in Rodgers’ face.  That is easier said than done.  CB Chris Gamble did an outstanding job in covering Larry Fitzgerald.  The problem the Panthers are going to have is that Rodgers throws the ball to everyone and he will find mis-matches on the field.  Dan Connor and the rest of the front seven will have to be ready to stop the Packers’ running game as James Starks and Ryan Grant are solid RBs.

PREDICTION:  PACKERS 34, PANTHERS 13

Well, tomorrow is the day that every Panthers’ fan has been waiting for since the NFL Draft…..Cam Newton’s NFL debut.  The Panthers have really done a nice job in rebuilding the defense and they have also added some pieces offensively to help Newton out.  They face a tough test tomorrow in Arizona and here is a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Panthers have the ball:  The Panthers are going to keep the ball on the ground for the most part tomorrow to try to control the clock and protect Cam Newton in his NFL debut.  The O-Line will have to open up holes for DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to run through, but it won’t be easy as the Cardinals’ will be keying on the running game.  If the Panthers are successful in running the ball, look for Newton to have some good chances to get the ball down the field in the passing game off of play action.  The Cardinals will probably double cover Steve Smith on passing plays,  so look for Newton to target his TEs (Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey) a lot in this game.

When the Cardinals have the ball:  The Cardinals are going to throw the ball quite often tomorrow.  The Panthers are going to have to get after Kevin Kolb in this game, because if he has time to throw the ball, he’s going to make a good first impression for his new employers.  Larry Fitzgerald is almost impossible to stop as he is the perfect package at WR.  The Panthers will probably have a safety giving help over the top with him.  That might be hard to do the whole game though as they will also have to be very concerned with TE Todd Heap.  The front seven will have to be ready to also stop RB Beanie Wells, and he’s pretty solid when he’s healthy.

PREDICTION:  CARDINALS 28, PANTHERS 10

The Panthers really wanted the Falcons to beat the Saints last Monday Night so they wouldn’t need this game.  The Panthers lost 31-10 just three weeks ago to the Falcons in Carolina.  The Falcons lost last week to break a 8-game winning streak.  They are likely to be in a foul mood when this game begins as they need a win for home field advantage throughout the playoffs.  Here is a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Panthers have the ball:  The Panthers don’t have the weapons to get into any kind of scoring war with the Falcons.  Their only chance in this game is to run the ball early and often in an attempt to control the ball and the clock.  Jonathan Stewart will probably get the ball as many times as he can handle against a Falcons’ D that is allowing 103.8 yards rushing per game and 4.5 yards per carry.  The Falcons are also giving up 231.4 passing yards per game but Jimmy Clausen just isn’t good enough to make them pay for that. 

When the Falcons have the ball:  The Panthers are likely going to try to go all out to stop Michael Turner and force the Falcons to throw the ball.  The Falcons didn’t look too good throwing the ball against the Saints and the Panthers have a solid, playmaking secondary.  The Panthers will need to get pressure in Matt Ryan’s face while double covering Roddy White and force him to try to beat the Panthers throwing the ball to someone else.

PREDICTION:  FALCONS 30, PANTHERS 13

The Carolina Panthers have a 1-game winning streak coming into this game with the Steelers tonight.  But, they are 0-6 on the road this year.  The Steelers are only 4-3 at home this year but they need the game so I expect them to come out focused and motivated in this game.  Here is a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Panthers have  the ball:  The Panthers are going to test the Steelers’ manhood by pounding Jonathan Stewart right at them.  He will have to fight for every yard as the Steelers are only giving up 63.4 yards rushing per game and 3.0 yards per carry.  The Panthers will also have to throw the ball a little bit to keep the Steelers’ defense somewhat honest and they are giving up 228.4 yards passing per game so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the Panthers might make a few plays as long as Jimmy Clausen has time to throw the ball. 

When the Steelers have the ball:  I don’t think the Steelers are going to get cute in this game either.  I think they are going to want to pound the ball on the ground with Rashard Mendenhall against a Panthers’ D that is allowing 126.2 yards rushing per game and 4.0 yards per carry.  Ben Roethlisberger will likely have more time to throw the ball than usual due to the lackluster pass rush of the Panthers but if he’s not careful, he could throw some picks as the secondary is pretty solid.  The Panthers will have to double Mike Wallace and take their chances with the other WRs of the Steelers.

PREDICTION:  STEELERS 23, PANTHERS 10

The Panthers have lost 7 games in a row now, with only one loss (at Cleveland) being by less than 10 points!  The Cardinals broke a 7-game losing streak last weekend by pounding the Broncos 43-13!  Here is a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Panthers have the ball:  The Panthers aren’t going to play around in this game as they are going to come out running the football.  Jonathan Stewart & Mike Goodson should be in line for big games as the Cardinals’ D has given up 143.3 yards rushing per game and 4.4 yards per carry.  If the Panthers are effective running the ball, Jimmy Clausen might be able to take some deep shots down the field off play-action.  Don’t hold your breath though as Clausen has been awful this year.

When the Cardinals have the ball:  The Cardinals are also starting a rookie QB so I look for them to also keep the ball on the ground.  Tim Hightower will be taking aim at a Panthers’ D that is allowing 132.6 yards rushing per game and 4.1 yards per carry.  Skelton is going to take some shots down the field to Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston in this game against a Panthers’ D that is allowing 205.5 yards passing per game.

PREDICTION:  CARDINALS 17, PANTHERS 10

The Panthers have lost six games in a row, but to their credit, they continue to play hard.  They could play the role of the spoiler for the Falcons as they have two games left with them this year.  The Falcons come into this game smoking hot as they have won six games in a row.  Here is a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Panthers have the ball:  The Panthers are going to come out running the ball with a now healthy Jonathan Stewart against a Falcons’ D that is allowing 98.5 yards rushing per game and 4.3 yards per carry.  Mike Goodson and Tyrell Sutton are also going to get some carries when Stewart needs a break.  The Falcons are giving up 246.3 yards passing per game, so maybe this is the week that Jimmy Clausen steps up.  To do that though, he’s going to have to keep all of his WRs involved instead of going to Steve Smith all of the time.

When the Falcons have the ball:  The front seven of the Panthers’ D is going to have to tighten up the chinstraps because Michael Turner (1,062 yards rushing, 8 TD carries) is going to be coming at them early and often this Sunday.  The Panthers are going to have to put a good pass rush on Matt Ryan or he’s likely going to pick the secondary apart.  His top WR, Roddy White (91 rec, 1,140 yards, 7 TDs) has been double teamed a lot this year to no avail as he always seems to make his plays.  Ryan also has good weapons in TE Tony Gonzalez & WR Michael Jenkins.

PREDICTION:  FALCONS 27, PANTHERS 10

The Panthers have lost five games in a row but they almost beat the Browns in Cleveland last week (they lost 24-23).  The Seahawks have lost 2 games in a row and 4 of their last 5 games.  But they are still tied for first place in the NFC West so this is a big game for the Seahawks.  Here is a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Panthers have the ball:  The Panthers are going to be giving the ball a lot to Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson in this game as the Seahawks are giving up 120.4 yards rushing per game and 4.2 yards per carry.  The Seahawks are likely to blitz a lot in this game so Jimmy Clausen will likely need to keep the passing game of the short variety.  That likely means that Dante Rosario and Mike Goodson are going to see the ball thrown their way a lot on Sunday.  The Seahawks are allowing 278.6 yards passing per game but I don’t think the coaching staff has enough faith in Jimmy Clausen to let er’ rip through the air.

When the Seahawks have the ball:  The Seahawks have no running game to speak of so they will be throwing the ball most of the game.  Matt Hasselbeck is probably going to have  time to throw the ball as the Panthers are not a good pass rushing team.  Mike Williams, Brandon Stokley and Ben Obomanu are Hasselbeck’s favorite targets so the Panthers will have to keep their eyes on them.

PREDICTION:  SEAHAWKS 27, PANTHERS 16