The Carolina Panthers will face the Detroit Lions in a few hours. There’s a huge question mark hanging over the quarterback position due to a minor knee injury for Teddy Bridgewater, who is listed as questionable today.
However, there are several keys to this game that will be worth following no matter who plays QB.
Offense: Attack Jeff Okudah, stop Romeo Okwara
While we don’t know who’s going to start at quarterback for Carolina, we do know that these Lions love to play a lot of man defense even though they’re not very well-suited for it. That has been especially tough on rookie corner Jeff Okudah. While he’s been exceptional against the run, he’s had a hard time in coverage this season. Whether it’s Will Grier, P.J. Walker or Bridgewater, the QB should be looking to attack Okudah one-on-one.
Detroit’s defense doesn’t have much talent. There are a couple playmakers to be aware of, though. Their most disruptive player this year has been defensive end Romeo Okwara, who leads the Lions in sacks (6) and tackles for a loss (8). We know Taylor Moton is going to take care of business at right tackle, but the platoon at left tackle has to keep Okwara in check.
Defense: Tackle Adrian Peterson, contain T.J. Hockenson
Adrian Peterson has given this defense a lot of trouble the last few times they’ve faced him. Last year with Washington, he racked up 99 yards and a touchdown while averaging 7.6 yards per rush. With rookie running back D’Andre Swift out due to a concussion, it makes it all the more important to stop Peterson with sound technique. Peterson may be past his prime but he can still make tacklers pay for not wrapping up.
This is a pretty pass-happy offense, though. The Lions are passing 61.13% of the time so far this year. Second-year tight end T.J. Hockenson has seen the most targets (53). He’s caught 36 of them, totaling 373 yards and five touchdowns, tied with Marvin Jones Jr. for the team lead. Since Danny Amendola and Kenny Golladay are also out this week, Matt Stafford will likely be relying on Hockenson even more than usual. That puts the onus on rookie LB/DB Jeremy Chinn to step up his game. Last week, he was burned by both Rob Gronkowski and Cameron Brate in coverage.
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