Panthers VS Chiefs: Five Key Match-Ups That Will Determine The Game

[Saca312]

The Carolina Panthers (3-5) will face off against the Kansas City Chiefs (6-2) at home in Bank of America stadium in yet another must-win game for the Carolina Panthers in hopes of keeping their playoff hopes alive. The Chiefs will look to win and contend with the rising Oakland Raiders as the AFC West is beginning to show many surprises around every corner. 

With this game, there's always some key match-ups that will define the game. In this little post, I'll be highlighting some match-ups that may decide the game.

1. MLB Luke Kuechly + Defensive Pass Rush V.S. QB Alex Smith

This I think will be the most important, yet subtle battle. Alex Smith is one heck of a game manager. He protects the ball like no other. He goes for the safe play, and gets the crucial 1st downs. He won't be shooting down deep like most other QBs, because that's not his style. His approach is a more methodical, find a safe window type of deal where he slowly dissects the defense and trudges down the field to keep his team in a position with the advantage.

Luke Kuechly will need to be able to exploit that. Luke's the best MLB in the league, and it's not even close. He's basically a QB on the other side of the field, exploiting coverages and motions from the offense and going ham. He's the epitome of a football player.

To counter the Chiefs, some key stops will need to be made, and prevent Smith from getting where he wants. Kuechly needs to exploit Smith's style of being safe with the ball, and be able to be in positions that prevents Smith from getting out the plays he wants. The pass rush will also need to show up, providing pressure and making Smith uncomfortable in the pocket. This in turn will allow Kuechly to guide the defense in a position to create turnovers, which will be crucial in this game.

The defense will need to cover the safe plays that Smith obviously wants to go for, and test him on the deep plays. He's not comfortable in those situations, as his mechanics show, so that's something the Panthers will need to show. KK, Short, Addison, and Ealy need to show up and provide the pass rush and pressure that'll make Smith very uncomfortable, and allow the rest of the defense to shine. 

From a revamped defense boasting 12 sacks in the last 2 games, one would hope they'll be able to pressure Smith enough against the number 25 O-line through week 5 of this season, according to PFF. With how good our front is showing up, I'm optimistic with Smith having quite the long day.

2. Panthers Run Defense V.S. RB Spencer Ware

 

I don't know if you all have noticed, but Spencer Ware is a pretty decent RB, and he's back from concussion protocol this week.

He was a late round fantasy pick of mine, having figured that Jamaal Charles was just not going to get healthy this year, and Spencer Ware was going to break out. And I was not disappointed with his value as a RB3 on my team with Melvin Gordan (Round 3 pick) and DeMarco Murray (Round 4 pick).

The Chiefs love getting the running game going, because that opens up the safe and nice plays the Chiefs love utilizing. Spencer Ware is part of that success. He's shown this year to be a rather decent back for the Chiefs. Granted, his good games came mostly against horrid run defenses, but he's still someone to watch out for.

The Panthers boast the 3rd best run defense in the league right now, and boasts holding up the likes of David Johnson to a mere 24 rushing yards in week 8. Todd Gurley was held to 48 yards, which is still pretty good consider the Rams just came off a bye and had 2 weeks to prepare. Aside CJ Anderson's breakout in week 1, the Panthers have really come up with one of the best run defenses in the NFL.

This will be key this game. If Spencer Ware becomes a no factor, and I expect that could very easily be the case, that will open up a lot of opportunities for the defense to harass Alex Smith, and capitalize on that. Feasting on the run limits the opportunities for any QB.

However, Spencer Ware is also a threat as a receiver. To allude to the chart above, Spencer ware had 129 receiving yards against San Diego, and gets nearly 20+ receiving yards every game. Our defense will definitely need to watch that.

Our run defense will need to show up, and keep the run game a no factor to have a chance against the crafty Chiefs offense.

3. RT Daryl Williams V.S. OLB Dee Ford

The Chiefs OLB Dee Ford seriously broke out this year. Boasting 9 sacks this year, Dee Ford is even considered as " ...one of the best rushers in the league" by Derrick Jackson. He put up 2 in the Chiefs game, and a breakdown on the Jaguars game explains his progression from simple speed rusher to one of the best pass rushers.

The Panthers have historically had tough luck against speed rushers, and elite pass rushers in general. A relatively recent game that comes to mind is the Superbowl from last year, where Von Miller harassed Cam Newton and came up with 6 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.

RT Mike Remmers turned into a turnstile, and basically was abused that game. He has always been an Achilles heel really, with the O-line having to compensate to help him. In the Superbowl, the Broncos heavily utilized a blitz style known as the green-dog blitz, forcing Remmers into 1v1 situations against one of the best pass rushers in the league. Obviously, that didn't work so well.

However, there's a backup RT that's taken over that spot that's been doing tremendously well lately. His name is Daryl Williams.

Daryl Williams was considered by PFF in the preseason of 2015 as the number 1 offensive tackle. He didn't get a chance to show much during the season, as an injury caused him to set back for most of the season.

Mike Remmers has proven to be decently solid, but it's showing more and more that's he's mainly more of a solid backup than starter. With him currently starting at LT, Norwell and Remmers have had trouble recently against DT Aaron Donald, abusing them greatly and allowing him to get 2 sacks on Newton. 

Daryl Williams that game had the 2nd best offensive rating for the Panthers, at 79.0, and only behind TE Greg Olsen. He's been convincingly solid recently too, holding the likes of Arizona's Golden and Atlanta's Beasley to nearly no sacks.

He's proven his worth, but he definitely has a challenge ahead of him. Dee Ford won't be someone the Panthers take lightly. As long as Daryl continues his amazing performance, not only will he help the offense tremendously, he might earn himself the starting RT position even when Oher is back. 

Oh, and if Justin Houston comes back, that's a matchup that's not even worth mentioning, knowing Remmers history with anyone half decent. Let's just hope he's extremely limited Sunday...

4. Panthers' Run Game V.S. Chiefs' Run Defense

The Panthers boast one of the league's most crafty, and scary run games.

With a 6'5 250 LB QB made of pure muscle, who can run and bully defenses, and the threat of one of the league's toughest runners in Jonathan Stewart and the threat that Tolbert might run instead of whiff a block. It's tough for defensive coordinators to find a way to keep all the players at check with an offense like that.

Cam Newton's ability to run already makes it tough on the defense, and Jonathan Stewart is a beast. With these two combined, you get some plays that look like this:

They are absolute monsters and power runners, it's insane. They take the big hits everywhere, and lead the offense's chains. Both are necessary for the Panthers to have a respectable run game, and it shows.

The Chiefs have the league's 25th best run defense, and it's not something to be proud of. They've allowed about 124.5 yards of rushing a game, and going against one of the league's top running teams won't help them at all.

The Panthers threat of running will keep the Chiefs on their heels. Most likely, the Panthers will be able to gain huge yardage off the run, and set up some big plays when the pass rush is negated. Expect a heavy dose of running and testing out the integrity of the run defense, and short passes at first to slow down the Chiefs, and expect a decent bit of darts down the field as the Panthers test the endurance of the pass rush.

I expect the Panthers to exploit this glaring weakness on the Chiefs side, and use it to their advantage.

5. QB Cam Newton V.S. Chiefs Opportunistic Defense

QB Cam Newton was the near unanimous MVP vote for the NFL last year for obvious reasons. He led a 2015 Panthers team that had lost Kelvin Benjamin in the preseason and considered to be the worst WR corps in the league to a 15-1 regular season record. He was amazing. He was superman. He was everything.

This year, things don't look as good. Teams began exploiting the Panthers weaknesses at their tackle position (mind you, mainly when Oher and Remmers started) and abused Remmers specifically. Cam Newton has taken a lot of hits, caused a lot of controversy, and there's no telling if it'll end. Cam Newton's accuracy drastically drops under pressure, and he's been pressured A LOT. 

However, this time, Cam most likely gets Kalil back at center. Not to mention he still has Daryl being his RT. LT Remmers has his problems, but it still is pretty impressive nevertheless. 

Cam Newton, with time, shows to be one of the league's most dangerous QBs. Against the Saints, he went 300+ yards passing with an effort that brought the Panthers from a 20+ point deficit to 39-39. Inevitably, the Saints marched down the field against the Panthers uninspired defense, switching last year's score in Katrina Dome to 42-39 in favor of the Saints.

Against Arizona, Cam Newton made key short pass gains and passes with a few big plays here and there to lead the Panthers to a comfortable lead, in the end smashing the Cardinals 30-20, with the Cardinals getting most points in the 4th quarter against a panthers prevent defense.

The Chiefs come in with the best turnover differential at +13. That's something to note, considering the Panthers haven't done well when turning over the ball a lot. However, lately, the Panthers haven't turned the ball over much. Aside one fumble by Jonathan Stewart, since the bye, the Panthers really haven't turned the ball over at all.

If the Panthers can replicate that success against this opportunistic defense, then expect a long day for the Chiefs. Panthers will wear out the defense early, negating the pass rush, and then go for some plays. When they do that, the Chiefs will have to hope that they get some turnovers if they want a chance at winning.

The turnover battle may be the deciding factor this game, and whether the Panthers have hope for the playoffs, or not.

[FootballLivesMatter]

(1) Who the hell is Spencer Ware? David Johnson, checked. Todd Gurley, checked. Really, Ware? 

(2) Not Daryl. More like MIKE REMMERS vs. Dee Ford, Hali, everybody else. 

(3) KB vs. Marcus Peters. KB needs a big, BIG game. I'm not talking about 2- catches. Other than the SF game, KB hadn't dominate a game at all this season. KB needs at least one TD and 5+ catches for us to have a chance. 

(4) Car run game vs. KC's D. 

(5) DBs vs. Kelce 

[Saca312]

6 hours ago, FootballLivesMatter said:

(1) Who the hell is Spencer Ware? David Johnson, checked. Todd Gurley, checked. Really, Ware? 

(2) Not Daryl. More like MIKE REMMERS vs. Dee Ford, Hali, everybody else. 

(3) KB vs. Marcus Peters. KB needs a big, BIG game. I'm not talking about 2- catches. Other than the SF game, KB hadn't dominate a game at all this season. KB needs at least one TD and 5+ catches for us to have a chance. 

(4) Car run game vs. KC's D. 

(5) DBs vs. Kelce 

1.You're behind if you never seen Spencer Ware recently. He's kind of like David Johnson where the backup is better than the starter in one year (Jamaal Charles). He's like DeMarco Murray in a sense he can run, and catch. He's proven to be the Chiefs most valuable back this year, and even with a healthy Jamaal, don't expect the Chiefs to start him over Ware.

2. Dee Ford lines up opposite the right tackle on most plays. He will be going against Daryl from his natural position. Hali has not generated Dee's level of play this year, considering the rest of the team only has 7 sacks. Since Oher isn't back, Williams will stay at RT thank goodness.

3. CBs are small. Yes, that's another matchup I like. Our big WRs will take advantage of that for sure. 

4. We could go for around 200 yards total rushing from this game. I like the Panthers chances.

5. Kelce is a threat for sure. But I have confidence he'll be neutralized.

[shaka]

My goodness, amazing work.  Keep it up please, quality content is always appreciated around here.  

[mc52beast]

You forgot to mention Cam vs The Refs

How many times does Cam take an illegal hit and a flag isn't thrown

[imminent rogaine]

Luke/whoever vs Kelce. We give up those random big plays to TEs. Let's not.

[FootballLivesMatter]

5 hours ago, Saca312 said:

1.You're behind if you never seen Spencer Ware recently. He's kind of like David Johnson where the backup is better than the starter in one year (Jamaal Charles). He's like DeMarco Murray in a sense he can run, and catch. He's proven to be the Chiefs most valuable back this year, and even with a healthy Jamaal, don't expect the Chiefs to start him over Ware.

2. Dee Ford lines up opposite the right tackle on most plays. He will be going against Daryl from his natural position. Hali has not generated Dee's level of play this year, considering the rest of the team only has 7 sacks. Since Oher isn't back, Williams will stay at RT thank goodness.

3. CBs are small. Yes, that's another matchup I like. Our big WRs will take advantage of that for sure. 

4. We could go for around 200 yards total rushing from this game. I like the Panthers chances.

5. Kelce is a threat for sure. But I have confidence he'll be neutralized.

Peters is probably the best cover corner in the game right now. It's a little early to say it but he has proven it. KB better come and have a game bigger than his size on Sunday. 

I don't think we are going for 200 yards total rushing. If we do, it's a blowout by 3rd quarter. 

[Verge]

Won't Justin Houston be back this game? Doesn't he replace Dee Ford on the weak side?

[Saca312]

59 minutes ago, Verge said:

Won't Justin Houston be back this game? Doesn't he replace Dee Ford on the weak side?

If he comes back they'd likely find a way to keep both of them on the field.

[Saca312]

3 hours ago, imminent rogaine said:

Luke/whoever vs Kelce. We give up those random big plays to TEs. Let's not.

Very true. Stopping Kelce is a must. If Shaq Thompson is healthy by then, I think he'll be neutralized. Otherwise probably Leonard or Klein will try and stop him.

[Udogg]

1.  Ware is good.  As long as defense of last 2 games show up we should be fine.

2.  Dee Ford is a game changer.  If Daryl can hold up we should be fine.  Remmers and Norwell got abused last week but it was against Aaron "Frickin" Donald.  That dudes a beast. 

3.  Our passing offense should be Greg Olsen first, then the other people.  Not KB, not Funchess, Greg Olsen.   Greg Olsen should be the focal point of our passing offense like last year, because there is no one player than can cover him.  None/zip/zilch.  

4. KC defense is fast overall not overly big.  I see run success, especially if we aren't down early and can mix it up. Also the good Cam needs to show up.  

5. Johsnon/TD are going to have to at least slow Kelce down.  Alex Smith will throw to whomever is open.  He doesn't force balls in.  So if Kelce is open all game, he will throw to him all game. 

 

 

[Saca312]

5 minutes ago, Udogg said:

1.  Ware is good.  As long as defense of last 2 games show up we should be fine.

2.  Dee Ford is a game changer.  If Daryl can hold up we should be fine.  Remmers and Norwell got abused last week but it was against Aaron "Frickin" Donald.  That dudes a beast. 

3.  Our passing offense should be Greg Olsen first, then the other people.  Not KB, not Funchess, Greg Olsen.   Greg Olsen should be the focal point of our passing offense like last year, because there is no one player than can cover him.  None/zip/zilch.  

4. KC defense is fast overall not overly big.  I see run success, especially if we aren't down early and can mix it up. Also the good Cam needs to show up.  

5. Johsnon/TD are going to have to at least slow Kelce down.  Alex Smith will throw to whomever is open.  He doesn't force balls in.  So if Kelce is open all game, he will throw to him all game. 

 

 

Good points, but I would like to note that the chiefs have near the top success in defending TEs, so we'll see if he gets any touches. Against Arizona Olsen was mostly quiet, considering they're the best at covering TEs. 

And yes, Daryl has his first big challenge against Ford for sure, and maybe Houston if he comes in situationally. I honestly wonder if @Jeremy Igo could do maybe a thread concerning Daryl through All 22 and how he does. PFF has been giving him good grades week by week. 

[The Question]

I just wanna know how the hell you got Demarco Murray in the 4th round.


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[The Question]

Good post btw


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