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My General Thoughts, and An In-depth Analysis: Panthers v. Jags by B/R's Bryan Knowles

top dawg

By top dawg,
in Carolina Panthers

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top dawg Grand Master

top dawg

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First, let me say that being honest with myself, I don't know what to expect tomorrow. Historically the Panthers are an up and down team, and with the slow starts of Rivera coached teams (which may not be totally his fault), it is conceivable that we find a way to lose against the Jags. That being said, I think that we are going to win. I think that Jonathan Stewart and the rest of the running backs are going to prosper behind that relatively new constituted O-line and run through the Jags for the victory. Of course our ability to run will be predicated upon the passing game, and I think that Cam and company will do just enough to open up that running game. I hope that Kevin Norwood plays because he could possibly make some key plays as a possession guy on shorter passes if Cam gets in trouble or doesn't have enough time. I don't believe that the Jags are going to go ala Steelers and let the tight End have his way, though I believe that Greg Olsen is going to make his presence felt.

On the other side---you know, the good side---of the ball, our defense can take over the game. If Kony Ealy can play to his potential, he will be a major key to tomorrow's victory. If Shaq Thomspson can make his presence known with some designed blitzes, he can be another key.  Unlike some, I don't believe that Star Lotulelei's absence will be missed that much against the Jags' interior. I expect Edwards, Cole and Love to perform admirably, with Edwards possibly even getting a sack. I also believe (perhaps because I want to) that Charles Johnson's injury isn't going to stop him from doing his thing tomorrow, and I don't believe he would be playing if he wasn't ready to dominate. The only pure "weakness" that I might expect is our corners trying to cover the shifty Allen Robinson and unheralded Allen Hurns, but I don't think we'll break to the point where the Panthers lose. The only major problem that could arise pertaining to our defense tomorrow is the lack of offense. If the Jags are actually able to stack the box and keep Ted Ginn and Philly Brown from being effective while Jacksonville stacks the box, then we could be in for a trying day as Panthers fans. Even our defense can start to lose its strength if it's on the field for 40 minutes. 

Again, I think that we can beat this Jags, even if we are flawed and have a few minor injuries. We will see tomorrow.

All this being said, here is an analysis from Bryan Knowles of Bleacher Report. I presume he doesn't have any Panthers glasses on, and though he does pick the Jags to upset us, there is a bit of interesting information in the well-written analysis in my opinion. 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2565320-panthers-vs-jaguars-whats-the-gameplan-for-carolina

Even with all of those negatives, it's still tempting to pick the Panthers. The Panthers, as they were at the end of last season, would have beaten the Jags on the road by a touchdown. To predict the Jaguars to pull the upset, you have to believe that Jacksonville has gotten better over this offseason and that Carolina’s injuries will cause them to start slowly.

This game could easily go either way, and my natural pessimistic nature might have me seeing all the flaws Carolina has and ignoring the general lack of quality in Jacksonville. Still, this game will be closer than many predict, and I’d rather be pessimistic and surprised than optimistic and disappointed.

 

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csx Grand Master

csx

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Of course we "can" beat the Jags. They're a 3-13 team last season. Whether the particular matchups work out in our favor in reality is another thing.

The Panthers are an improved team all around with the exception of missing Kelvin. The receivers as a whole improved other than missing him. If KB was playing Im certain we'd all be very confident. One player not playing QB is not going to sway a team that much. 

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AceBoogie Veteran

AceBoogie

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When it comes to media perception this game is a lose lose situation. All of a sudden somehow we're considered on the same level as the raiders and Browns. I've heard talk on sports radio about how this is the worst game of the weekend. Really? With Cam Newton and the Defensive player of the year? 

So if we win even in convincing fashion, it's going to be well it's the Jags. Lose and it's going to be see the Panthers can't even beat the jags. Just have to win this one and keep pushing forward. 

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caatfan Newbie

caatfan

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I don't get the seemingly widespread opinion that the Jags will be that much better. Last year's wins were over the Giants, Browns, and Titans. They did win 2 in their last 6 games, and the D got a bit better, vs. the first 4 games, where they gave up an average of 38 pts/gm, but I believe our D also got better, as well as the OL. 

I'll take a one point win here, but I won't be happy with it. We should easily be the better team.

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top dawg Grand Master

top dawg

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When it comes to media perception this game is a lose lose situation. All of a sudden somehow we're considered on the same level as the raiders and Browns. I've heard talk on sports radio about how this is the worst game of the weekend. Really? With Cam Newton and the Defensive player of the year? 

So if we win even in convincing fashion, it's going to be well it's the Jags. Lose and it's going to be see the Panthers can't even beat the jags. Just have to win this one and keep pushing forward. 

If we can't beat the Jags, then we really are in trouble. 

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KB_fan Proficient

KB_fan

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Agree with the comment that this is a lose-lose for us in the media.  Unless we somehow play *REALLY* impressively and make the national highlights in a big way, this will be a "yawn" for all but the Panthers & Jags fans (and perhaps a few other interested fans of our division rivals...).  I don't think we're likely to get much respect unless / until we beat one of the expected "top" teams / media darlings this year (e.g. Seattle, GB, Colts, Philly, Dallas...) in a convincing fashion.  Some of our primetime losses last year were just too awful, and the news that KB is out has only caused many to dismiss us even further.

That's ok.  I'm content to let our play do the talking and not worry about whether or not the media and analysts love us.  It's wins that count.  Everything else is gravy.

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t96 Grand Master

t96

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It's a scary thought considering the four game stretch of the Eagles, Colts, Seahawks, and Panthers. We have to start of strong. 3-1 is the minimum. 

I think we can win atleast 2 of those 4 games. I know the Eagles and Packers blew us out last year but that was a completely different Panthers team. Seahawks are finally going to get what's coming to them and we'll be able to control the Colts game at the line on both sides of the ball. The Eagles game completely depends on Bradford. If he's healthy and playing well we'll have a difficult time, but there's a solid chance he's hurt by then and it'll be a win (yes I know Sanchez beat us last year, but again, that was a different Panthers team). Packers are tough as always but it helps having Jordy out. I think we'll be able to run on them and control their passing offense as well as a team can, but it all depends on if they can get Lacy going or not. It's a tough stretch, but not a definite 0-4 like many here believe.

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JaxJags135 Newbie

JaxJags135

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I think it's easy to overlook the Jags. But then again, a lot of Jags fans are clearly overlooking you Panthers fans and your team. I really do believe we have a tough game against your front 7. Our defense is definitely suspect but as I stated in another post, they can be a decent unit. I really like what I've seen from Bortles, although it's only been pre-season. Our team overall is headed in the right direction and not just because I'm a Jags fan but yes I do think the Jags can upset the Panthers tomorrow afternoon. It really hinges on Bortles though. I generally try and follow the Panthers throughout the season but will be the first to admit that I don't know nearly enough about your team and won't even pretend to. Win or lose, I'll be back to either congratulate you all on a win or talk about the loss. I've never been a fan of smack talk. Good luck to those Panthers tomorrow but obviously as a Jags fan, I hope my team wins. Pleasure reading this forum guys. 

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