On Sunday the Panthers finish out the 2019 season at home against the Saints, who are favored to win by almost two touchdowns.
Given the way things have gone during this seven-game losing streak, expecting an upset is unrealistic. However, there are plenty of other reasons to watch aside from who wins and loses. Here are six stories we will be following tomorrow.
Will Grier’s deep ball
Two games isn’t nearly enough time to properly evaluate a quarterback prospect. The Panthers should have started Grier a month earlier than they did, but it’s too late to take that back now. Grier’s best asset is the touch he flashes on his deep ball. Several times last week against the Colts he just barely missed receivers on long routes. A little more accuracy and consistency would go a long way for Grier in this area. Especially with D.J. Moore ruled out, Grier should be looking for Curtis Samuel and letting it loose.
Christian McCaffrey’s record chasing
The main event for this contest will be whether or not McCaffrey can set a number of records. He needs 67 receiving yards to reach 1,000 for the season. If he gets to 116, he’ll break Marshall Faulk’s record for the most receiving yards by a running back in one year. McCaffrey can also set a new franchise record for rushing yards if he can get 155. It’s a long shot, but with 216 total yards from scrimmage, he’ll break Chris Johnson’s NFL record set back in 2009.
Greg Olsen’s last game?
Based on Olsen’s comments yesterday, it sounds like he’s not interested in sticking around for a lengthy rebuilding project. That means this might be the last time we see Olsen in a Panthers uniform. Olsen has had some special games against the Saints in the past. In 15 meetings, he’s totaled 75 catches, 750 receiving yards and four touchdowns. A productive game from No. 88 would be a great way to close the book on a remarkable career.
A moral victory for the offensive line?
If Olsen, Grier and McCaffrey are going to reach their individual goals, it would help a whole lot if the offensive line does its part. That’s been a problem all year, though. Lately, the pass protection issues on the left side have kept a low lid on Carolina’s offense. Daryl Williams and Dennis Daley can earn some good will by showing out with a strong performance to end the year. Center Matt Paradis could also use a solid game after a disappointing season.
Another opportunity for Jermaine Carter Jr.
With starting linebacker Shaq Thompson ruled out again, 2018 fifth-round pick Jermaine Carter Jr. will get another chance to show what he can do. To be fair, most of Carter’s experience has been on special teams, but he didn’t exactly jump out on tape against Indianapolis last week on defense. Linebacker depth is a potential issue for the team this offseason, so anything Carter can give them will be a welcome development.
Cornerback controversy?
Finally, interim head coach Perry Fewell has decided to start Ross Cockrell at cornerback over Donte Jackson again. He says Cockrell won’t play every single snap like he did last week, though. Cockrell has done everything that’s been asked of him, so it’s on Jackson to prove he still belongs on the field with the starting defense.
