Rams vs. Panthers: First Look

[CGI_Ram]

Rams Vs. Panthers: 4 Bold Predictions For Week 1

Next Thursday, we can officially say the 2019 NFL regular season is underway. Next Sunday, the Rams and Panthers start their seasons.

clutchpoints.com

Rams vs. Panthers: 4 bold predictions for Week 1 matchup

Thursday, we can officially say the 2019 NFL regular season is underway. The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears will kick off the season in a divisional matchup. Another prominent matchup in Week 1 comes between the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams.

Last season, Ron Rivera and the Panthers were in a phenomenal position to make the playoffs after getting off to a 6-2 start through their first eight games. Unfortunately, Cam Newton suffered a shoulder injury and the team’s season was derailed.

Carolina won just one of their final eight games and Newton ended the season on injured reserve. This offseason, the Panther’s franchise quarterback underwent shoulder surgery and has returned to the field.

As for the Rams, Sean McVay’s squad are coming off a successful season despite suffering a heartbreaking loss in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. After averaging 32.9 points per game in the regular season, Los Angeles could only manage to score three points against the Patriots.

Nonetheless, Los Angeles has reloaded and are inspired to make it to the Super Bowl again in 2019—but with a different result. The Panthers and Rams could both be teams competing for a chance to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl when it’s all said and done.

Without further ado, here are four bold predictions for the Rams and Panthers Week 1 matchup.

4. Dante Fowler Will Get Two Sacks

Prior to last year’s trade deadline, the Rams chose to make a move to acquire Dante Fowler from the Jacksonville Jaguars. During the regular season, Fowler played in eight games for Los Angeles but only managed to bring down the quarterback twice.

The 25-year old edge-rusher did make his presence known against the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints in the playoffs. The former Jaguars defensive end made a clutch play in the NFC Championship game to defeat the Saints; by delivering a hit on Drew Brees that forced an interception in overtime.

Again, during the regular season, Fowler struggled to adjust to Wade Phillips’ defense with just two sacks. This offseason, it seems as if Fowler has made strides in his game and the young pass-rusher will manage to tie his total in sacks from 2018 in Week 1 against the Panthers.

3. Christian McCaffrey Will Catch 15 Passes

As Newton continues to make his way back on the field for Carolina, he knows he can trust Christian McCaffrey to make plays for him in the passing game. Over the past two seasons, McCaffrey has become one of the NFL’s best dual-threat running backs.

Last year, the Panthers running back managed to accumulate 1,965 yards from scrimmage on 326 total touches. Most impressively, the Stanford product hauled in 107 receptions (which was eighth-most in the NFL) in 2018.

Additionally, McCaffrey had three games where he was unstoppable out of the backfield with 10 or more receptions. McCaffrey’s personal single-game record is 14 receptions against the Atlanta Falcons in 2018. The third-year running back will create a new career-high versus Los Angeles with 15 receptions in Week 1.

2. The Rams Will Have Three Receivers With 100 Yards

Before Cooper Kupp tore his ACL last season, the Rams were on pace to have their top three wideouts surpass 1,000 yards receiving on the season. If they had achieved that feat, they would’ve became just the sixth receiving trio in NFL history to do so.

Entering 2019, Kupp is fully recovered from his injury and joins Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods once again. Undoubtedly, Los Angeles arguably has the most talented receiving trio in the NFL.

Despite the lethargic performance in last year’s Super Bowl, the Rams offense should be even better than last year in 2019. To begin the season, Jared Goff will connect for 100 yards with his top three receiving options versus the Panthers.

1. The Rams Will Win, 38-17

Since McVay became the head coach of Los Angeles in 2017, the Rams have thrived in their regular-season openers. In 2017, Los Angeles took down the Indianapolis Colts sans Andrew Luck by the score of 46-9.

Then, last year, the Rams were able to secure a 33-13 victory in Week 1 over the Oakland Raiders. Now, this season, Los Angeles will begin their season against a Panthers team who is getting Newton back under center.

However, following their embarrassing Super Bowl loss in 2018, Los Angeles has been itching to get back on the field to impose their dominance. Similar to the past two seasons, Los Angeles will make a statement in Week 1.

 

[bubbaramfan]

After attending all of the Rams TC practices and watching all 4 preseason games, my biggest concern is Rams D covering RB's and TE's coming over the middle. Rams D hasn't done well. Hope that changes game one.

Also wondering how hurricane Dorian will affect the game.

 

[Malibu]

After attending all of the Rams TC practices and watching all 4 preseason games, my biggest concern is Rams D covering RB's and TE's coming over the middle. Rams D hasn't done well. Hope that changes game one.

Also wondering how hurricane Dorian will affect the game.

Not sure how you can speculate yet.
No starter played in preseason for the most part.

 

[bubbaramfan]

Malibu, I got a good look at the starters in TC when they did 11 on 11 and vs the Chargers at Irvine and their place in Costa Mesa. Littleton is the best cover LB the Rams have and he's going to have his hands full with McCaffery.

Just pointing out a weakness both VetRamFan and I talked about during TC. They've had more practice none of us have seen at Cal Lutheran, so we will see.

 

[Malibu]

Malibu, I got a good look at the starters in TC when they did 11 on 11 and vs the Chargers at Irvine and their place in Costa Mesa. Littleton is the best cover LB the Rams have and he's going to have his hands full with McCaffery.

Just pointing out a weakness both VetRamFan and I talked about during TC. They've had more practice none of us have seen at Cal Lutheran, so we will see.

Every team has a McCaffrey whether on Offense or Defense. Nothing new. The Rams overall are better than last year and probably learned a ton from the back half of the season. We will be fine. Every team has weaknesses and strengths. Rams got a ton of strengths not to mention an amazing STs which most teams don't have.

 

[Ram65]

Every team has a McCaffrey whether on Offense or Defense. Nothing new. The Rams overall are better than last year and probably learned a ton from the back half of the season. We will be fine. Every team has weaknesses and strengths. Rams got a ton of strengths not to mention an amazing STs which most teams don't have.

I also have concerns about covering RBs and TEs. Recent pass results have not been favorable for the Rams. The Rams went to more zone in the SB to help eliminate YAC on short passes over the middle that included Eddleman. They had to "Chip" Kamara in the second half of the NFC Championship game. Wade has made some adjustments that made a difference. The Rams have to show they can consistently slow down these plays and the running game.

 

[A.J. Hicks]

I watched the Eagles vs Panthers game from last season.

I chose this game because it was before Carolina Cam was injured.

And also because it was a common opponent.

Carolina won the game with three straight scoring drives for TD's in the fourth quarter.

Eagles mostly dominated the game up to that point.

Mccaffrey is going to be a nightmare for any team to account for.

Greg Olsen was mostly invisible during the game but did catch the game winner.

Their defensive front is going to be a load to play against.

I expect we'll be moving the pocket some, using lots of play action, and quick hitters.

This could be a game where we see the use of the 12 personnel more often. Use those tight ends in motion to get guys out of the box - and/or for extra blocking and receiving threats.

 

[Akrasian]

This could be a game where we see the use of the 12 personnel more often. Use those tight ends in motion to get guys out of the box - and/or for extra blocking and receiving threats.

It would also make future opponents have a bit more to game plan for.

 

[Riverumbbq]

After hearing a little about what's going on with the hurricane in the Bahamas, i'm starting to wonder if this game should be moved elsewhere.

 

[Ram65]

McCaffrey will star, but Panthers have questions

Expect a big season from Christian McCaffrey, but questions about Cam Newton's return from shoulder surgery and also the defensive backfield create a dim outlook for Panthers.

www.si.com

QUICKLY

• Expect a big season from Christian McCaffrey, but questions about Cam Newton's return from shoulder surgery and also the defensive backfield create a dim outlook for the Panthers.

By ANDY BENOIT
August 01, 2019
The 2019 NFL season is just a few weeks away, so Andy Benoit makes a few predictions for each NFL team. Today he considers the Carolina Panthers, who finished 7–9 and tied for second in the NFC South last year.
The passing game remains inconsistent. Cam Newton is an up-and-down passer when fully healthy, and this year he is coming off major surgery on his throwing shoulder. He has a strong arm and is tough in the pocket, but his erratic mechanics and streaky field vision lead to inaccurate passes every week. That’s especially problematic given that tight end Greg Olsen, who is 34 and has missed 16 games over the last two seasons with foot problems, is Newton’s only regular target who is taller than 6'1".

Christian McCaffrey tops 2,000 total yards. Patience, balance and vision make the third-year back perfect for Carolina’s ground game, which features misdirection, multiple moving pieces (jet sweepers, pull-blockers, etc.) and the rushing threat of Newton, history’s best down-to-down running QB. Carolina’s offense begins here, with 30-plus rushes a week and a downfield play-action passing game built off their convoluted run looks. Those downfield looks also set up opportunities for McCaffrey, since nearly 90 percent of his catches come underneath on routes out of the backfield where, after the catch, he is superb at turning downhill.
A defensive switch equals more of the same. Much has been made about the Panthers D, which has been a traditional 4-3, starting to employ more 3-4 looks, but that’s all these are: looks. What matters more is how they defend run gaps after the snap. The Panthers continue playing their usual one-gap, attack-oriented 4-3 principles, built around penetrating defensive tackles Kawann Short and Gerald McCoy, and also edge men Mario Addison, Bruce Irvin and first-round rookie Brian Burns. Then there’s Luke Kuechly, whose remarkable speed and play recognition make him football’s best linebacker by a clear margin. Carolina joins the growing group of classic 4-3 defenses that now align in a 3-4 structure simply to prevent blockers from double-teaming defensive linemen.

Second-year defensive backs are Carolina’s bellwether. Cornerback Donte Jackson, a 2018 second-round pick, ran hot and cold as a rookie, flashing top-level athleticism but losing on far too many vertical routes. Third-round safety Rashaan Gaulden never captured a starting job last year, even as veteran Mike Adams became a liability. Adams wasn’t re-signed after the season, so the job falls to Gaulden. The chemistry and awareness of the young starters determines how the zone-oriented Panthers D performs in 2019.
BOTTOM LINE: The Panthers have alternated between 6-or-7 win seasons and 11-plus win seasons for the last seven years. But coming off a 7-9 campaign, these Panthers have too many questions to expect a plus-.500 record, let alone 11 wins.
• Question or comment? Email us at talkback@themmqb.com.

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[Ram65]

Carolina Panthers: 2019 Preseason Predictions and Preview

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• Carolina Panthers: 2019 Preseason Predictions and Preview

By Athlon Sports, 7/16/19, 10:30 AM EDT



The Panthers look for better results after a disastrous second half to the 2018 campaign
The Carolina Panthers appeared to have a playoff berth well in hand at the midpoint of the 2018 season at 6–2. Then everything disintegrated. Cam Newton hurt his throwing shoulder (again). The defense suddenly looked old and predictable. The Panthers went a disastrous 1–7 over the season's second half, which dropped them to 7–9 and out of the postseason.

The offseason understandably saw major changes in both the locker room and the Panthers' on-field leadership, as old-guard players such as center Ryan Kalil, linebacker Thomas Davis and defensive end Julius Peppers all either retired or changed teams.

But the Panthers have some dynamic offensive weapons and usually are solid on defense, which is largely why the team has made the playoffs four times in the past six years. Young players such as running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver DJ Moore and cornerback Donte Jackson are all capable of Pro Bowl-type seasons.

OFFENSE
Newton, now 30, has had two surgeries in less than three years on his throwing shoulder. His repaired right arm once again holds the key to a lot of the Panthers' fortunes. Newton embraced offensive coordinator Norv Turner's admonition to get the ball out quicker in 2018, which resulted in a career-high 67.9 percent completion rate before he was sidelined for the season's final two games with lingering shoulder trouble.

The Panthers' backup QB plan improved when the team drafted West Virginia's Will Grier in the third round, but Grier doesn't have Newton's natural arm strength and will also be learning the system from scratch. Kyle Allen and Taylor Heinicke, who both started a game in Newton's stead last season, will also compete for the No. 2 job.

Newton will play in front of an offensive line that may have a rookie at left tackle in Greg Little and a first-year Panther — veteran Matt Paradis, an expensive replacement for Ryan Kalil — at center who will be counted on to be a vocal leader.

Taylor Moton has quick enough feet to play either tackle spot, but he will likely start on the right side if Little works out. Daryl Williams, who had a knee injury that scuttled 2018, could also be a factor at tackle if he can stay healthy. Moton and Williams are also capable of playing left guard, and one of them may well do so as Carolina strives to get its five best linemen on the field at the same time. Right guard Trai Turner is a bulldozer.

Newton has a bevy of weapons at his disposal. McCaffrey set an NFL record for running backs with 107 receptions in 2018, and no RB in the league runs better routes out of the backfield. His elusiveness makes him elite, but the Panthers want to give him a little more rest in 2019, especially on downs when the tailback is called upon to pass block. Moore is a fierce runner after the catch and should get the ball more in 2019 as the Panthers attempt to make him their clear No. 1 wide receiver.

Tight end Greg Olsen used to be Newton's favorite target and has some of the best hands in team history, but the quarterback has had to live without him for 16 of the last 32 games because of Olsen's foot injuries. If Olsen can play all season, the Panthers' third-down conversion percentage will undoubtedly improve. Second-year tight end Ian Thomas has shown flashes but is raw.

At the second and third receiver spots, the Panthers will likely use speedster Curtis Samuel and free agent acquisition Chris Hogan, formerly of New England. Samuel scored a touchdown every 6.7 touches from scrimmage in 2018 and has to get the ball more often. Hogan is also a threat on deep balls and can be used in the slot, too, where crafty Jarius Wright also makes an occasional key contribution.

Carolina Panthers 2019 Schedule

DEFENSE
After ranking among the top six in the NFL in sacks from 2015-17 and disguising what was too often an average secondary with that pass rush, the Panthers plummeted to 27th in sacks in 2018. In an NFC South brimming with effective quarterbacks, that exposed a secondary that was burned too often.

The secondary's personnel will be largely unchanged, but the Panthers hope that the pass rush will be enhanced with the addition of No. 1 pick Brian Burns, a speedy edge rusher from Florida State. Burns will have a shot at substantial playing time right away with the retirement of Peppers. The Panthers also signed veteran defensive end Bruce Irvin, who is trying to wrangle one more good year out of his 31-year-old body. Irvin's best seasons came in Seattle.



Panthers head coach Ron Rivera stripped defensive coordinator Eric Washington of some of his power late in the 2018 season when Rivera took over as the defensive signal-caller for the final four games in the midst of what became a seven-game losing streak. That curious arrangement will extend to this year, with Washington still retaining the coordinator title and supervising the front seven but Rivera — who made his NFL bones as a DC — calling the game.

The Panthers have to get more out of highly paid defensive tackle Kawann Short, whose three sacks in 2018 were the fewest he's had since his rookie year (2013). The same goes for Dontari Poe, who was Carolina's big-money free-agent signing in 2018 but wasn't nearly disruptive enough up the middle (which is the best way to attack a quarterback like Drew Brees of the Saints). Defensive end Mario Addison is the Panthers' most consistent pass rusher and has had at least nine sacks for each of the past three seasons.

The team also signed former Tampa Bay stalwart Gerald McCoy after he was released in late May in a cost-cutting move. McCoy played nine seasons for the Buccaneers where he was a three-time, first-team All-Pro three times and six-time Pro Bowler. His addition could pay off big dividends for Carolina's defensive line.

Luke Kuechly is clearly the Panthers' best player on defense, and his combination of speed and brains is almost unprecedented. He won't have Davis beside him this year, but outside linebacker Shaq Thompson still has some upside that he has yet to tap.

The secondary will be bolstered by the three-year contract signed by Eric Reid, the hard-hitting strong safety who is best known for joining Colin Kaepernick's protest of social inequality. A strong season from Reid would go a long way toward shoring up Carolina's last line of defense. The other safety spot is up for grabs, with Rashaan Gaulden having an inside track due to his athleticism.

Jackson, a speedy cornerback, has a little Josh Norman in him in terms of his swagger and his locker room quotability. Jackson is a gambler and had a team-high four interceptions last season as a rookie, but he also sometimes gets beat when he shouldn't. The other starter is James Bradberry, who isn't as fast as Jackson and doesn't have the same knack for interceptions, either. But he's big enough to wrestle with the NFC South's top receivers off the line. Nickel corner will be up for grabs, with Corn Elder having a slight edge.



SPECIALISTS *** Update Gano is a no go for the year.
Graham Gano still has one of the strongest legs in the NFL, as evidenced by the 63-yard field goal he hit against the Giants in October 2018 to win a game with one second left. Gano missed the end of 2018 with a left knee injury but is expected to return at full strength. Punter Michael Palardy is very consistent. Long snapper J.J. Jansen enters his 11th year doing his one thing very well. The kickoff and punt returner jobs are in flux. Rashad Ross, a burner who starred in the very brief existence of the AAF, could make the team as a return specialist.

FINAL ANALYSIS
If Newton and Kuechly stay healthy and get some solid contributions from the youngsters — particularly McCaffrey and Moore — the Panthers will once again be relevant in the NFC. If it all goes south again, however, Rivera and general manager Marty Hurney will both be very concerned about their job security. Owner David Tepper likes to shake up the status quo when he believes it is justified, and he didn't buy the team before the 2018 season to miss the playoffs two years in a row.

Prediction: 4th in NFC South

 

[Ram65]

Panthers' Biggest Offseason Moves 2019 - Predictions

Read all about the Carolina Panthers’ offseason moves and the odds and predictions of their 2019 season.

www.wsn.com

The Carolina Panthers' Biggest Offseason Moves 2019: Odds and Predictions
May 27, 2019

For a team that started out so strong last season, the Carolina Panthers sure ended poorly, third place in their division and questioning their franchise quarterback’s health.
Cam Newton has had surgery to repair his injured shoulder, but if he’s not ready to return by Week 1, the team may suffer a slow start the season, though his newly reinforced offensive line looks capable of protecting him.
With a new owner who made a vow not to ‘screw up’ the draft, the Panthers are counting on their offseason moves to right the ship, and we take a look at some of those and list the odds and predictions of Carolina’s upcoming season.
Looking for more offseason predictions and odds? Then take a look at the “Biggest Offseason Moves 2019” of the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49’ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs.
The 2019 Carolina Panthers are:

• Owner: Hedge fund manager David Tepper (since 2018)
• General Manager: Marty Hurney (Hired July 2017)
• Head Coach: Ron Rivera (Hired January 2011)
• Offensive Coordinator: Norv Turner (Hired January 2018)
• Defensive Coordinator: Eric Washington (Promoted January 2018)
• Quarterback: Cam Newton (9th NFL season, all with the Panthers)
• Offensive Stars: Running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver D.J. Moore
• Defensive Stars: Linebacker Luke Kuechly and cornerback Donte Jackson

How did the Panthers do in 2018?
The Carolina Panthers ended up third place in the NFC South after posting a 7-9 record in 2018, the fifth time during head coach Ron Rivera’s eight year tenure that the team has won just seven games or less.
The team started out the season strong with a 6-2 run, but after quarterback Cam Newton’s shoulder began to affect his ability to throw the ball downfield, the Panthers went into a 1-7 slump and eliminated themselves from the postseason early on.
Second year running back Christian McCaffrey got 326 touches for 1,965 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns, showing soft hands and the ability to run the ball after the catch.
The one bright light in a mostly dismal season happened in Week 17 when the Panthers managed to crush division rivals (and playoff bound) New Orleans Saints in their own stadium by a score of 33-14.
Why was a change at center necessary in Carolina?
After twelve seasons of playing center for the Panthers, the team that drafted him, leader and iron man center Ryan Kalil retired, requesting no fanfare as he ended his NFL career just as his latest contract was up.
The neck injury that limited his playing time in 2017 to just six games may have played a part in his departure, though for an offensive lineman to not only last but remain effective for a dozen seasons in such a brutal league is already quite impressive.
To fill the giant hole, general manager Marty Hurny signed free agent Matt Paradis who has the experience and leadership skills to effectively replace Kalil.
Who are the Kalil brothers?
Retiring center Ryan Kalil (see above) has a younger brother in the NFL named Matt who plays offensive tackle.
Last season, the two Kalil brothers both played for the Panthers, becoming the third set of brothers to play on the same NFL line and the first pair to do it in almost a quarter of a century.
Matt was released by the Panthers in March and a week later was signed by the Houston Texans.
Biggest strategy shift Panthers will make for 2019?
The Carolina Panthers finished 27th in sacks last season, with just 35 total, so getting an edge rusher to improve on that became an obvious offseason strategy for Hurny.
Signing defensive end (and longtime quarterback hunter) Bruce Irvin was Hurny’s first big move in that direction, and then he went even further by drafting linebacker Brian Burns of Florida State in the first round and linebacker Christian Miller in the fourth.
Another offseason goal was to keep Newton’s offensive line strong by bringing in a talented leader like Paradis and by re-signing tackle Daryl Williams, both part of a squad that hopes to equal or better last season’s sacks allowed total of 32, tied for sixth best in the league.
The Panthers drafted a quarterback – is Newton finished?
Not by a long shot is Newton finished, but he has tended to get banged up a lot as of late and is actually listed as questionable for Week 1 due to the shoulder injury (and subsequent surgery) that was preventing him from throwing the ball deep down the field.
Though Rivera is optimistic about Newton’s full recovery, the team needed to think about the future, and so with their third round pick (100th overall), they selected Will Grier of West Virginia who is used to multiple schemes so adapting to coordinator Norv Tuner’s offensive scheme shouldn’t be a problem.
The preferable goal is for Newton to play at his pre-injury level, but if he can’t for whatever reason then Grier adds depth behind current backups Taylor Heinicke, who the Panthers picked up on waivers last season, and Kyle Allen, who was an undrafted free agent last year.
What major players have the Panthers lost so far this offseason?
Offensive tackle Matt Kalil, who signed with the Houston Texans for a one-year, $7.5 million deal with $2.25 million of that guaranteed.
Outside linebacker Thomas Davis, who agreed to a two-year, $10.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, with $5.25 million of that guaranteed.
Wide receiver Devin Funchess, who signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts worth $10 million, with $7 million of that guaranteed.
What have been the Panthers’ key free agent pick-ups this offseason?
Center Matt Paradis, who agreed to a three-year, $9 million deal with $12 million of that guaranteed.
Defensive end / outside linebacker Bruce Irvin, who signed a one-year deal worth $4 million, with $1.5 million of that money guaranteed.
Offensive tackle Daryl Williams, who was re-signed by the Panthers for one-year for $6 million, with $3 million of that guaranteed.
What were Carolina’s Biggest offseason needs?
Offense: Tackle, wide receiver
Defense: Defensive line, edge rusher, defensive back
What draft picks did the Panthers have in 2019?
The Panthers ended up with 7 picks in the 2019 NFL Draft, and they were:

• Round 1: Brian Burns, outside linebacker, Florida State (16th pick overall)
• Round 2: Greg Little, offensive tackle, Ole Miss (37th)
• Round 3: Will Grier, quarterback, West Virginia (100th)
• Round 4: Christian Miller, outside linebacker, Alabama (115th)
• Round 5: Jordan Scarlett, running back, Florida (154th)
• Round 6: Dennis Daley, offensive tackle, South Carolina (212th)
• Round 7: Terry Godwin, wide receiver, Georgia (237th)

How have the Panthers done in the last ten postseasons?
Over the last decade, the Carolina Panthers have been to the playoffs five times, including Super Bowl L in 2015 where, despite Newton being named the league MVP, they lost to Peyton Manning’s Denver Broncos by a score of 10-24.
Of the other four postseason runs this last decade, three were lost in the Divisional Playoff Game (2008, 2013, 2014) and in 2017 they lost in the Wild Card Game to the New Orleans Saints, 26-31.
The Panthers have been to only one other Big Game, which was Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004, where they lost to a young Tom Brady’s New England Patriots 29-32.
How are the Panthers predicted to do during the 2019-20 season?
The odds makers aren’t feeling it for the 2019 Carolina Panthers – they’re giving 19 other franchises better odds at winning it all.
Ten other NFC teams have a better shot at going to the Super Bowl, and to add insult to injury, the odds have it that the Panthers will be third place in the NFL South behind the Saints and the Falcons again.
But if it turns out that Newton is fully recovered and his newly adjusted offensive line keeps protecting him while the upgraded edge rushers keep the opposing teams off the field, then a long shot bet might be worth the risk, but that’s a lotta buts…
Where are the Panther playing overseas in 2019?
The 2019 Carolina Panthers will take part in the NFL International Series and participate in one of the five games being played in London and Mexico that are meant to boost the love of football outside of the U.S.
The Panthers will play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England in Week 6 on October 13 at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Carolina will fortunately be able to recover from the difficult travel to and from Europe during the next week since they have a Week 7 bye and don’t play again until the October 27.
What are the current postseason odds and predictions for the 2019 Carolina Panthers?
Is Newton’s shoulder back to healthy or will he have to continue to play differently, less dangerously, than how he used to?
Can the Panthers’ defense that was ranked 15th last season shut down quarterbacks more effectively or are the specialists they brought in too old and too young to do the job?
How much longer does Rivera and Newton have to prove they are still capable of getting Carolina to the postseason?
Everything depends on Cam’s shoulder – watch him in OTA’s and at training camp to see how he’s progressing.
Here are the current odds listed for the Panthers’ postseason in 2019-20:
If you live in New Jersey and want to bet on futures in NFL you can do so on 888sport. Check out the latest odds here.
Good luck!

Sportsbook	NFC Winner	NFL Winner	Link
888Sport NJ	+2500	+5000	Bet Now
BetStars NJ	+2500	+5000	Bet Now

 

[Ewe83]

How we feelin fellas?

 

[Ram65]

LOL, I might have gone overboard with the articles. Outside of a handful of players, I didn't know much about the 2019 Panthers. The Panthers have a solid front on defense. Veteran solid players Short, McCoy, Addison, Irvin, and Luke Kuechly. They will miss Thomas Davis. They still have a solid front. Their secondary seems less impressive.

Offensively, So goes Newton so goes the Panthers. McCaffery a duel threat at running and catching the football. He is the quick type of running back the Rams have had trouble within the recent past. Second-year first-round pick WR DJ Moore and aging TE Olsen are his best options outside of McCaffery. Moore had the highest YAC of any WR last year. The offensive line may be the weakest link.

This going to be a much harder season opener than the past two years. The Rams will be away traveling across county to hot humid and possibly wet environment. The Pathers have playmakers on both sides of the ball. The Rams are going to have to play their best to win this season opener.

 

[rams1fan]

I really think Rams ease in Kupp so I don't expect 3 100 yard wrs this week.

 

[hotanez]

How we feelin fellas?

Drunk

 

[Riverumbbq]

Drunk

Dean Wormer had a great line for that ...

 

[hotanez]

Dean Wormer had a great line for that ...

I've got 2 of 3 covered, need to eat a lot more to get to 3 of 3

 

[oldnotdead]

Ron Rivera was coached in a traditional 4-3 defense and began his career in the Bears organization. In the middle of the 2008 season, he was hired by the San Diego Chargers as a defensive assistant under then HC Norv Turner. It was here that he learned to use the 3-4 hybrid scheme. The man who taught Ron was John Pagano the same man I posted about.

Rivera has tired of the issues and failures of his defense running the 4-3 so now in 2019 he has moved to the same 3-4 hybrid used by Wade Phillips. Both men learned this scheme from John Pagano while they were in San Diego.

This is an advantage for the Ram's o-line and offense as it's nothing they don't understand or know well. The strength of the Carolina defense are their LBs. Their DE's are 30 & 31 respectively, i.e. past their prime. Their key defender is Kuechly and ILB.

On defense, the Panther o-line gave up 32 sacks last year and that's with a mobile QB. I think it's telling that the leading receiver is a RB. DJ Moore is their #1 receiver, but he's a work in progress. Last year was his rookie year and true to his predraft evaluations he was inconsistent in his route running. As their #1 WR, he didn't break 800 yds last year. Take away or limit McCaffery and Moore and you stop their offense. McCaffery is an elusive runner with speed. So IMO you play the game with 3 safeties. Limit the ground game and take away Cam's early read. The Ram's have the kind of pass rush that won't give him much time. Take away their two primary weapons and force them to beat you with Curtis Samuel who only had 39 receptions accounting for less than 500 yds.

I don't see Carolina having enough offense to keep with the Rams as I don't see enough Panther defense to stop McVay's offense.

 

[Rams8821]

Will be at the game.

I think they key will be to sustain drives and make Cam put the ball in the air.

It wont be easy they will be fired up to beat us. Goff needs to play well.