Seahawks vs. Panthers: Behind Enemy Lines with ‘Cat Crave’
The Seattle Seahawks are in unfamiliar territory against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
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Why is that?
Because a loss on Sunday would put the Seahawks under .500 for the first time since 2012 and could seriously dampen Seattle’s chances of getting to the postseason to defend their Super Bowl championship.
The Panthers will enter the contest 3-3-1 and also need a big win to save their season. But who will come out on top and why?
To learn more about the Panthers, I spoke with W.B. Whitted, one of the editors at CatCrave.com, our FanSided brother that covers the Panthers.
Here is our conversation:
1. Similar to the Seahawks, the Panthers record isn’t where it was expected to be through seven games this season. What does Carolina need to do to turn things around and does that start with Sunday’s game against the Seahawks?
For all of the talk this offseason focused on the offense (specifically the turnover at the wide receiver position), the real let down of the team has occurred on the other side of the ball.
The once mighty defense has given up an average of 34.8 points per game in the last five weeks.
While Cam looks to have improved as a passer, the team is built to be a defensive one. If the team can limit mistakes, and get off the field on 3rd downs, perhaps the team can get back to its winning ways.
2. The Panthers defense ranks 26th in the league in rushing yards allowed this season. Does Marshawn Lynch worry you or do you think the Panthers can keep him in check?
In a word, yes.
Carolina has given up over 100 rushing yards the past two weeks. Between Lynch and Russell Wilson, the defense may be susceptible to the ground game.
Winning the line of scrimmage will be crucial for keeping the rushing attack of the Seahawks in check. Keep an eye on Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei, the defensive tackles for the Panthers. The interior lineman will be crucial in stopping those body blows that Lynch loves to leave on the opposition.
3. What is Carolina’s biggest weakness this year and how can the Seahawks exploit it?
Sadly, it is the defense that has let Carolina down.
Ranked 2nd in points per game last season (I can’t remember who came in first) the Panthers are currently 29th in that category. The main difference isn’t the remade secondary, but the lack of depth at the defensive line position.
Greg Hardy and Frank Alexander are both suspended and Charles Johnson hasn’t looked the same this season because of an injury. With so many defensive ends out/ineffective, the sack total for the team has plummeted. The Panthers had 60 last season, nearly halfway through the season and the defense has amassed 15.
4. Who is a little known player on the Panthers that the Seahawks should keep their eye on during Sunday’s game?
Keep an eye on Brenton Bersin.
He was one of the last cuts last year, this year the receiver made the team and has had a larger role week by week. After Philly Brown went out with an injury, Bersin filled in as a punt returner. He has quality size (6-foot-3, 210 lbs) and sure hands and Newton has slowly become more and more comfortable with one of his more sure-handed targets.
5. What do you think the final score of Sunday’s game will be and why?
Last season the game turned on a late fumble by DeAngelo Williams in a titanic defensive struggle. I suspect another close game, with this one being won on a late Cam Newton drive.
The Seahawks will start slow because of the early east coast kick-off, and the Panthers will find a way to hold on, 27-24.