The Carolina Panthers just defeated the visiting Tennessee Titans, 30-20 and the game was not as close as that score might suggest.
Here are a few takeaways from today’s victory.
The Panthers’ pass defense got its swagger back
After giving up 51 points to the 49ers last week, the Panthers shut out the Titans in the first half by getting loads of pressure on Ryan Tannehill and playing tight coverage on the back end. Tennessee got back to its bread and butter in the second half though and had a lot more success. Derrick Henry came to life and exposed Carolina’s run defense issues, again. Henry finished with 99 yards and two touchdowns. Tannehill never could get into a rhythm until garbage time, though and the Titans didn’t convert on third down until nearly the fourth quarter.
Another MVP-worthy line from Christian McCaffrey
At a certain point, we’re going to run out of superlatives to describe what McCaffrey has been doing this season. McCaffrey did more of what he does best today: making defenders miss and putting points on the board. No. 22 added to his legitimate MVP case by totaling 166 yards from scrimmage and scoring three touchdowns. As long as McCaffrey is healthy and the Panthers are defending the pass this well they can compete with anybody.
Kyle Allen was hot and cold
Allen’s first pass of the game was a forced ball to Greg Olsen that could have been picked off. He made several other questionable throws throughout the afternoon that were turnover-worthy, but Allen also had his moments. He finished the first half on a run, completing nine passes in a row during an impressive drive, topped off by a touchdown throw under pressure to Curtis Samuel. Allen went 17/32 for 232 yards and a 84.4 passer rating. A little more consistency would be nice, but the Panthers will take it.
The wide receivers came to play
After getting criticized by franchise legend Steve Smith Sr. earlier in the week, wide receivers D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel responded with a strong performance. Moore showed off his run after catch ability several times and Samuel proved he’s still a potent red zone weapon when he’s used right. Together, they combined for 10 catches, 165 receiving yards and one touchdown. Moore’s outing in particular was impressive. Carolina needs more games like this from No. 12.
‘Riverboat Ron’ makes a comeback
Coach Ron Rivera was thoroughly outmatched last week against Kyle Shanahan. Rivera had a bounce-back performance however, showing some of the aggressive instincts that earned him the Riverboat Ron moniker. He went for it on fourth and two near the goal line and got a touchdown for his trouble. Later, he called a fake punt on fourth down and Colin Jones converted with a gutsy run. Carolina went on to score on that drive, as well. Next up, they visit Green Bay.
