Three Questions To Answer
Will CJ Anderson Get Any Playing Time?
Anderson hasn’t had any carries in the past two weeks – in fact he’s only been on the field for four snaps – if the Panthers want to try and grind down the Ravens’ defense, they’ll need more than just Christian McCaffrey and Cam Newton.
“We knew from the jump that there’s days you’re going to get it and days you don’t get it,” said Anderson last week as he continues to put the team wins ahead of personal successes. “That was one of my days I didn’t get it.”
Sunday might be the day when he gets it.
Can The Panthers Force Some Turnovers?
Eric Reid said the Panthers “need to do a better job in the secondary” and that may start with turning Joe Flacco over – the Panthers have forced nine turnovers in their four wins and only one in their two losses. Although Flacco is currently on pace to throw the fewest interceptions of his career, the Panthers must find a way to win the turnover battle – they’re 67-5-1 in Ron Rivera’s tenure when they do.
Will The Panthers Offensive Line Hold Up?
While the Panthers revamped offensive line has performed admirably – they’ve allowed the second-fewest quarterback hits in the NFL – they’ll be facing their toughest test in the aggressive defense that new defensive coordinator Don Martindale brings to Carolina; a defense that returns all 11 starters from their 2017 unit. They spread the love – 13 different players on the Ravens have at least one sack.
“They’re a pretty aggressive defense, but we’re an aggressive offense, so it doesn’t really matter – in order to win this game, we’ve got to put our best foot forward,” said Chris Clark. “It doesn’t matter the numbers or what they’re stats [are] – anytime you play a good defense, you know it’s important for the offense to be on the same page – it’s about us.”
Two Quotes About Cam Newton That Will Make You Chuckle
Ravens Defensive Coordinator Don Martindale: “He’s like a guy — which is crazy in the NFL for all of us who have played sports — remember when you were in the fifth or sixth grade, and that guy that had the beard drove to the game? That’s what he’s like as an NFL player. I mean, he really is. We joked around with my wife, and I said, ‘I’ve been watching scary movies all week getting ready for Halloween just watching his tape.’ There’s a reason they call him ‘Superman.’ It’s obviously a huge challenge.”
Ravens safety Eric Weddle: “He’s a fast dinosaur, muscular and big and runs people over, he’s a very unique quarterback in this league. He’s the only one really like him. What’s the one with the horns and charges?”
A reporter said triceratops.
“Yes, that one just bowls people over.”
One Reminder
Don’t Miss The Roaring Riot Homecoming This Weekend! Events all weekend and a Bojangles-Catered Tailgate! See You There!
