The Carolina Panthers will host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in their first game of the 2019 regular season. LA went all the way to the Super Bowl last year, so this is an excellent measuring stick kind of contest even though it’s early.
Here are seven key individual matchups that we will be keeping an eye on.
Aaron Donald vs. Carolina’s offensive line
The most important matchup in this game might be between Donald and the entirety of the Panthers offensive line. Since no one player in the NFL can contain Donald, offensive coordinator Norv Turner will have to employ double and perhaps even triple teams to help. Carolina’s interior linemen in particular need to be on point. If Matt Paradis, Trai Turner and Greg Van Roten can’t slow Donald down, he could wreck the whole game plan. Donald led the league in sacks (20.5) and tackles for a loss (25) last season.
Ron Rivera vs. Sean McVay
Players win games and championships, but Bill Belichick’s success over the last two decades proves that coaching still matters. This one will feature a stark clash of philosophies and styles. Rivera is an old-school, conservative kind of coach and has taken over Carolina’s defense. On the other side, McVay is the brightest young offensive play-caller in the league. The chess match between them may determine the outcome more than anything.
Todd Gurley vs. Luke Kuechly
While schemes and calls are crucial, oftentimes football just comes down to athletes beating other athletes. Perhaps the most intriguing player matchup this week will come between LA’s star running back Todd Gurley and the Panthers’ all-time great middle linebacker Luke Kuechly. Gurley led the NFL in touchdowns from scrimmage (21) in 2018. Meanwhile, Kuechly ranked No. 8 in the league with 130 combined tackles. Kuechly will have to wrap up Gurley well to limit his yards after contact.
Brandin Cooks vs. Javien Elliott
Aside from finding a way to stop Donald, the most worrisome dynamic for Rivera’s staff in this game might be the slot. Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp will present their own challenges on the outside. Cooks is the real danger, though. He’s a lethally quick receiver who can take the top off any defense. Cook has also done well against the Panthers in the past. In six meetings, he’s posted 474 yards – the most he has against any opponent. The Panthers will likely rely on former Buccaneers cornerback Jaiven Elliott to cover him from the slot.
Curtis Samuel vs. Marcus Peters
The Panthers have their own speedy deep-threat weapon at wide receiver, though. Samuel stood out more than any other player at training camp and was routinely hooking up with Cam Newton for huge gains down the field. Last season, Samuel did most of his damage when he lined up outside. That means Marcus Peters will probably draw the assignment. Peters has brilliant ball skills, but he’s been known to gamble and give up big plays.
Brian Burns vs. Andrew Whitworth
After finishing No. 27 in sacks last year, Carolina used a lot of resources to upgrade its pass rush this offseason. The biggest move was using a first-round pick on Brian Burns, who dominated the preseason like a supervillain – posting four sacks despite limited playing time. Burns’ first real test will come against Whitworth, who has been one of the top left tackles in the NFL a long time and has 199 games’ worth of regular season experience.
Norv Turner vs. Wade Phillips
Last but definitely not least, the other coordinator matchup should prove to be very interesting. Turner’s first year calling the plays for the Panthers was promising. He seems to have a strong grasp on modern offenses and did a much better job using misdirection than his predecessor Mike Shula. However, Turner faces a brutal matchup against Phillips, who has been coaching at a high level since he came into the league in 1976.
