The Panthers carry a six-game losing streak into this week’s contest against the Colts. On the bright side, Indianapolis isn’t playing much better. Losers of four straight and six of seven, these Colts might just represent the last realistic chance for Carolina to win a game in 2019.
The odds aren’t good, though. The Panthers are underdogs by more than a touchdown, according to BetMGM. In order to pull off an upset, they’ll need to win some key individual matchups. Here are seven to watch on Sunday.
Will Grier vs. Will Grier
A third-round draft pick, Grier will be under the microscope as he makes his first start against a Colts defense that has allowed just under 250 passing yards per game (No. 21 in the league) and ranks No. 18 in defensive DVOA. During the preseason, Grier committed too many turnovers and was the lowest-graded rookie QB by Pro Football Focus. He’ll have to take better care of the ball, especially getting it out faster than he did in August.
Dennis Daley vs. Justin Houston
Of course it will help Grier a lot if the Panthers offensive line can keep him upright better than they did Kyle Allen. The key matchup here will be at left tackle, where Dennis Daley gets a tough draw against Justin Houston. It didn’t save their season, but Indy got a steal by signing him to a two-year, $23 million deal. Houston has come through, posting a team-high nine sacks for the season. If Daley can manage to contain Houston it will be a great sign for his future.
Curtis Samuel vs. Rock Ya-Sin
If Grier’s game is on point and the offensive line keeps him clean, the biggest beneficiary will likely be wide receiver Curtis Samuel. Allen missed Samuel deep far more often than he hit him, which has put a serious lid on Samuel’s production this year. Rock Ya-Sin is a rookie corner with athleticism to spare, but Samuel should be able to beat him over the top a few times. The question will be if Grier can find him.
Christian McCaffrey vs. Darius Leonard
The Panthers are a run-first team though, no matter who’s starting at quarterback. It would make sense to give Christian McCaffrey some snaps off, but Perry Fewell didn’t take him off the field last week, so it’s full steam ahead for 22. This week the guy who will have the most chances to stop him is linebacker Darius Leonard, who was a deserving Defensive Rookie of the Year last season. Leonard leads the Colts with 104 combined tackles.
Gerald McCoy vs. Mark Glowinski
Defensively, there are a few mismatches that Carolina should be able to take advantage of. Gerald McCoy has been the team’s most consistent defensive lineman this year and he has the best matchup this week. The weak link of the Colts’ offensive line is right guard Mark Glowinski. McCoy should be able to get consistent pressure on Jacoby Brissett and be an obstacle for Marlon Mack and the other Indy running backs.
Vernon Butler vs. Quenton Nelson
Not every matchup in the trenches is going to favor the Panthers, though. Defensive tackle Vernon Butler has done well in the absence of Kawann Short and Dontari Poe, but this time he’ll face one of the largest humans in the NFL. Quenton Nelson is probably the best left guard in the league and is definitely the nastiest. The Colts will try to run their offense on the ground with Nelson leading the way. It’s critical for Butler to disrupt at the point of attack as much as possible.
Donte Jackson vs. T.Y. Hilton
This season, opposing offenses have been picking on second-year cornerback Donte Jackson. While has the physical tools he needs, Jackson has not responded well and is on tilt after getting toasted several games in a row. Next, he has a brutal matchup against T.Y. Hilton, who is one of the most underrated receivers in football. Interim head coach Perry Fewell needs to give Jackson safety help, or it’s likely to be a long day.
