If nothing else, the Carolina Panthers have become awfully good at meeting expectations.
In yet another defeat, head coach Matt Rhule and his guys fell to the host New Orleans Saints in Week 17. The loss, although largely punchless, didn’t really disappoint considering the circumstances.
But did we disappoint in our predictions for the divisional showdown?
Panthers lose coin toss
If you’ve followed along all season, you’d know our beloved coin toss streak was finally snapped last week. A missed call from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers knocked us to 8-1 when trying to forecast the flip. We’ll try to get back on track.
Outcome: Correct. We’re back in the green and up to 9-1 on the toss.
Panthers get one first down on their first drive
We’re also back in the Sam Darnold Show, where you’re assured some kind of twist and/or turn every episode out. But the day will start rather tame, as he helps move the chains just once on Carolina’s opening drive.
Outcome: Incorrect. They actually moved the chains four times to start off the contest. That helped lead to a 12-play, 61-yard drive which ended in a 32-yard field goal by Lirim Hajrullahu.
Saints don’t get any first downs on their first drive
“Touché” says quarterback Taysom Hill and the Saints offense. The Panthers turn the home team away for a three-and-out to kick off their day.
Outcome: Incorrect. The Saints also got themselves three points off their first touch. Theirs came off the strength of an eight-play, 52-yard drive that included a pair of first downs.
But the Saints still strike first
Both teams come into Sunday having failed to reach the end zone the week prior. The Saints get off the schneid before the Panthers for their first end zone visit in three weeks. It’s running back Alvin Kamara on a 14-yard run.
Outcome: Incorrect. They, obviously, did not. Hajrullahu did.
While the Panthers strike for just one touchdown
No matter who head coach Matt Rhule throws under center, this broken-to-bits offense will need much more time to repair itself. This week, it’ll likely be Darnold—who offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon might be ready to run with (but not really)—the whole way out.
Do you really have much faith? Didn’t think so. Carolina scores just one touchdown on the day, a 7-yard pass to wideout DJ Moore.
Outcome: Correct. The lone visit to the end zone for Carolina came on their very next possession. Running back Chuba Hubbard slipped away for a 21-yard score, the fifth touchdown of his rookie campaign.
Cam Newton doesn’t see the field
Like we said, expect Darnold—Rhule’s pet project—to play the entire way out in this one. The Panthers head coach slickly avoided questions about his plans to potentially use Newton in this one, to which he only replied “Cam will be ready.”
Outcome: Incorrect. Hubbard’s touchdown was preceded by Newton’s lone play of the day. His one snap resulted in a 5-yard rush.
Sam Darnold finishes with under 175 passing yards
This New Orleans defense has been particularly daunting, as they currently rank 12th overall (331.7 yards allowed per game) and 17th against the pass (235.7 yards allowed per game). But with a lack of chemistry all around Carolina’s offense—between its passers and receivers and to its constantly changing offensive line—they’ll have a light task ahead of them.
Outcome: Correct. Darnold completed 17 of his 26 throws for 132 yards and an interception. He out-snapped Newton 60 to one.
Chuba Hubbard finishes with over 50 rushing yards
Hubbard has been on a chilly streak of late, having failed to reach anything past the 40-yard mark in each of his previous seven outings. He cracks 50 here on a more pronounced role without Newton eating up carries as the starter.
Outcome: Correct. Hubbard recorded a game-high 55 rushing yards on 17 attempts.
Panthers finish with two sacks
With or without left tackle Terron Armstead on Sunday, the Saints’ offensive line is facing a rather cold pass-rushing attack. Carolina has amassed just four sacks, all coming from their Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills, over the past three weeks. They do light up the sack column, but not for much.
Outcome: Correct. Nailed it. Those two sacks belonged to defensive tackle Derrick Brown and safety Jeremy Chinn.
Panthers lose
Both teams are kind of lost at the moment. But the Panthers just seem to be on another level of disorientation. They continue on their dizzying path for a sixth straight loss.
Outcome: Correct. Panthers lost their sixth game in row and the 11th in their last 13. 18-10, Saints.
Week 17 prediction tally: 6-of-10 correct
2021 prediction tally: 83-of-160 correct (51.9 percent)
Results record: 9-7
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