Jump to content

  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

CAR/BAL matchup commentaries

Happy Panther

By Happy Panther,
in Carolina Panthers

Recommended Posts

Happy Panther Grand Master

Happy Panther

Posted
Posted
Nothing surprising here. I just don't know how we are going to generate rushing yards with no running game and a shut down Baltimore defense. This sounds like a nightmare day. Hopefully we come up with something from Shula or our defense shuts them down and we win 9-6.
 
I doubt the BAL running is really that good of a matchup. We had a bad game but our defense is still very tough.
 
Of course with all this prognosticating it ends up 45-42.
 
 
 
Baltimore Ravens Passing Offense vs Carolina Panthers Passing Defense (Tough Matchup)
 
Joe Flacco was in a tight contest for most of the game last Sunday at Cleveland, and ended the day with 19/31 for 217 yards passing, one TD and one interception thrown. His backs handled 33/160/1 rushing, making for a pretty balanced outing by the Ravens' offense. To date, Baltimore is 13th in the NFL averaging 237.3 net yards passing per game, with four TDs thrown vs. two interceptions given up. Steve Smith is by far Flacco's favorite target, with 32 passes for 18/290/1 going his way to date, while Torrey Smith has seen 18 for 6/85/0. Unfortunately, Dennis Pitta re-injured his right hip that was operated on last year, and needs another surgery, which means he is out for the season now. Owen Daniels (11 targets for 10/70/2) will step in as the starting tight end going forwards.
 
The Panthers' pass D ranks eighth in the NFL through three games, with an average of 201.7 net yards allowed per game, with a hefty five passing scores allowed to date vs. three interceptions generated. The defensive front does have eight sacks (tied for sixth in the NFL). Last week, Ben Roethlisberger threw 22/30 for 190 yards passing, two TDs and zero interceptions while being sacked just once for -6 yards; two weeks ago Matthew Stafford was sacked four times for -38 yards on the way to 27/48 for 253 net yards passing, one TD and one interception thrown.
 
This looks like a tough matchup for Flacco and company, who will be adjusting to life without Pitta this week - also, the running backs have a shot at the reeling Carolina defensive front which may slant the game plan to the ball carriers.
 
 
Carolina Panthers Passing Offense at Baltimore Ravens Passing Defense (Tough Matchup)
 
Cam Newton let it rip to Kelvin Benjamin (11 targets for 8/115/1 receiving) and Greg Olsen (seven for 5/69/1) vs. Pittsburgh, resulting in 24/35 for 250 yards passing, one TD and zero interceptions for Newton before he left late in the game (Pittsburgh had the victory in hand). All told, the Panthers threw 29/41 for 330 yards, two TDs and zero interceptions on Sunday as a team. Derek Anderson hit Benjamin for his TD, and had 5/6 for 80 yards passing, one TD and zero interceptions thrown. Philly Brown (nine targets for 7/66/0 receiving) also made a case for more reps while Jerricho Cotchery was sidelined during Week 3 (hamstring injury) and Jason Avant was limited by a sore thigh (Avant saw six targets but only recorded 2/12/0 receiving). Aside from Olsen, the Panthers are relying on their green rookie receivers right now.
 
The Ravens' pass D ranks 24th in the NFL currently averaging 262.3 net passing yards allowed per game, with two passing TDs given up vs. one interception generated and three sacks through three games (tied for 27th in the NFL). Cleveland was able to throw 19/25 for 284 net yards, one TD and zero interceptions vs. the Ravens last week; Ben Roethlisberger managed 22/37 for 202 net yards passing, zero TDs and one interception thrown.
 
Both of these squads have injury concerns/issue, but the Panthers are the most limited - advantage, Baltimore.
 
Baltimore Ravens Rushing Offense vs Carolina Panthers Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)
 
The Ravens did without Bernard Pierce in Week 3, and their rushing attack actually looked stronger, with 33/160/1 rushing as a team. The Ravens were led by Lorenzo Taliaferro (18/91/1 rushing, 5.1 yards per carry on average) and had assists from Justin Forsett (11/63/0 rushing, 5.7 yards per carry, with 4/2/0 receiving). According to head coach John Harbaugh, 'We thought we'd get him [Pierce] into the game, but it didn't work out. We should have a good chance of getting him back next week.' The situation at running back is looking muddled entering Week 4 - stay tuned to Footballguys.com's Players in the News later this week to see which running backs practice with the first team (or practice at all, in Pierce's case). To date, the Ravens are ranked eighth in the NFL as a team, averaging 137.0 rushing yards per game, with two rushing scores so far.
 
The Panthers' defense was embarrassed on Monday Night Football, allowing a gargantuan 34/264/1 rushing to the Steelers, who had two 100+ yards-rushing backs in the contest. Two weeks ago, Detroit was shut down (18/70/0 rushing) in this phase of the game - the Panthers are schizophrenic as rush defenders entering Week 4.
 
The Ravens are gaining momentum as a rushing squad, while the Panthers were knocked back on their heels last week - at Baltimore, this looks like a decent matchup for whichever running backs can take the field for the Ravens.
 
Carolina Panthers Rushing Offense at Baltimore Ravens Rushing Defense (Bad Matchup)
 
The banged-up Panthers (DeAngelo Williams and Fozzy Whittaker missed Week 3 due to thigh/hamstring and quadriceps injuries, respectively) got even more damaged during Week 3 when Mike Tolbert suffered a hairline fracture in his leg (he was placed on IR/designated to return on September 23 and is out for the foreseeable future, until at least Week 13) and Jonathan Stewart ended the night with a 'severely' sprained ankle - he's expected to miss at least four weeks. Williams is likely closest to returning after resting in Week 3, but there simply isn't much left in the cupboard for the Panthers right now (Darrin Reaves is the next man up, and undrafted free agent from University of Alabama/Birmingham - he has logged one target for zero receptions this year). Lache Seastrunk, cut by Washington on cut-down day, joined the Panthers' practice squad about seven days ago and may be in the mix for Carolina given their seriously depleted running back stable. Stay tuned to Footballguys.com's Players in the News for the latest on this developing situation as we head towards Sunday's games.
 
Baltimore's rush D ranks eighth in the NFL averaging 89.7 rushing yards allowed per game, with just two rushing scores allowed to date. They coughed up both rushing scores to the Browns last weekend, allowing a total of 29/91/2 to the Browns. Pittsburgh was limited to 18/99/0 at Baltimore two weeks ago.
 
Carolina is really banged up at this position right now and may have either youthful inexperience and/or a gimpy, limited veteran in the mix on Sunday - advantage, Baltimore.
 
Weather: Baltimore's M and T Bank Stadium expects a high of 81 F on Sunday, with a 0% chance for rain and winds under 5 MPH. It should be a great day to play and watch some pro football.

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...