Vikings at Panthers Depth Chart Preview
Dec 8, 2017 15:25:42 GMT -6
Reignman, Funkytown, and 1 more like this
Post by Danchat on Dec 8, 2017 15:25:42 GMT -6
The Vikings will carry an 8 game winning streak into this game facing the Panthers, who are in a prime position to make the playoffs. Let's see how good their roster is:
-My thoughts-
The Panthers are in big trouble on offense - Cam Newton hasn't been his best lately (mostly as a pocket passer), the run game has been hit or miss, and their receiving options are limited (Greg Olsen isn't going to be 100%, Funchess might miss this contest as he couldn't practice today). Since the Panthers wisely (/sarcasm) traded Kelvin Benjamin away, they have basically nothing at WR. Russell Shepard, Damiere Byrd, and Kaelin Clay would be the league's worst WR combo as even the Bears boast more talent at WR than that.
The only true threat on offense is Christian McCaffrey, who's been dangerous in the open field catching passes. The run game hasn't really worked even though most the O-line has played rather well. Jonathan Stewart is basically 2016-17 Adrian Peterson - he loves to run into walls and fall down and sometimes have a few good games against bad run defenses.
I'm sure I'm not the only one hoping for plenty of sacks as Matt Kalil has been a human turnstile for the 4th (?) season in a row. The Vikings notched 8 sacks on Newton last season and while it's unlikely they reach that amount again, they just need to pressure Newton into making bad passes. Ryan Kalil, Matt's older brother, has been injured all season long and will not be 100%, so perhaps we'll see Tom Johnson and/or Linval Joseph get a sack and a few tackles for loss.
Things will be more difficult for the Vikings offense as the Panthers boast 2 elite players. Their primary weakness is in the secondary as they've allowed an average of 202 yards be caught by WRs in the past 4 weeks. James Bradberry looked like an up-and-coming #1 CB last season but he's mysteriously declined - PFF had him as Above Average in 2016 and now he's Poor in 2017. Former Viking Captain Munnerlyn has severely declined in coverage in the nickel and only SS Mike Adams has rated Average in coverage compared to any DB on this team. Two weeks ago Jets QB Josh McCown destroyed this secondary and had WR Robby Anderson go for 146 yards and WR Jermaine Kearse go for 105. I am expecting similar results from the Vikings.
Enough negativity for the Panthers - let's talk run defense. The Panthers have the league's second best LB in Luke Kuechly (only behind Bobby Wagner) and this team is much better stopping the run when he's playing. Kawann Short is a dominant run and pass defender and they've got a few solid pass rushers too - they've notched the 5th (tied) most sacks in the league. They will be done one player in Shaq Thompson, and unlike most defenses that rarely play their 3rd LB, he plays a large majority of the snaps.
Alright, any thoughts about the Panthers?
Vikings Friday Injury Report
Out- Morgan, Remmers
Doubtful-
Questionable- Elflein
Out- Morgan, Remmers
Doubtful-
Questionable- Elflein
Panthers Friday Injury Report
Out- Thompson
Doubtful-
Questionable- Olsen, Funchess, Larsen, Clay, R. Kalil
Out- Thompson
Doubtful-
Questionable- Olsen, Funchess, Larsen, Clay, R. Kalil
-My thoughts-
The Panthers are in big trouble on offense - Cam Newton hasn't been his best lately (mostly as a pocket passer), the run game has been hit or miss, and their receiving options are limited (Greg Olsen isn't going to be 100%, Funchess might miss this contest as he couldn't practice today). Since the Panthers wisely (/sarcasm) traded Kelvin Benjamin away, they have basically nothing at WR. Russell Shepard, Damiere Byrd, and Kaelin Clay would be the league's worst WR combo as even the Bears boast more talent at WR than that.
The only true threat on offense is Christian McCaffrey, who's been dangerous in the open field catching passes. The run game hasn't really worked even though most the O-line has played rather well. Jonathan Stewart is basically 2016-17 Adrian Peterson - he loves to run into walls and fall down and sometimes have a few good games against bad run defenses.
I'm sure I'm not the only one hoping for plenty of sacks as Matt Kalil has been a human turnstile for the 4th (?) season in a row. The Vikings notched 8 sacks on Newton last season and while it's unlikely they reach that amount again, they just need to pressure Newton into making bad passes. Ryan Kalil, Matt's older brother, has been injured all season long and will not be 100%, so perhaps we'll see Tom Johnson and/or Linval Joseph get a sack and a few tackles for loss.
Things will be more difficult for the Vikings offense as the Panthers boast 2 elite players. Their primary weakness is in the secondary as they've allowed an average of 202 yards be caught by WRs in the past 4 weeks. James Bradberry looked like an up-and-coming #1 CB last season but he's mysteriously declined - PFF had him as Above Average in 2016 and now he's Poor in 2017. Former Viking Captain Munnerlyn has severely declined in coverage in the nickel and only SS Mike Adams has rated Average in coverage compared to any DB on this team. Two weeks ago Jets QB Josh McCown destroyed this secondary and had WR Robby Anderson go for 146 yards and WR Jermaine Kearse go for 105. I am expecting similar results from the Vikings.
Enough negativity for the Panthers - let's talk run defense. The Panthers have the league's second best LB in Luke Kuechly (only behind Bobby Wagner) and this team is much better stopping the run when he's playing. Kawann Short is a dominant run and pass defender and they've got a few solid pass rushers too - they've notched the 5th (tied) most sacks in the league. They will be done one player in Shaq Thompson, and unlike most defenses that rarely play their 3rd LB, he plays a large majority of the snaps.
Alright, any thoughts about the Panthers?
... and neither is this Chris guy.