The Carolina Panthers are coming off a disappointing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The defense did its best to keep their team in the game, but Cam Newton and the offense looked sluggish and couldn't find any rhythm. Now that they had a few extra days to rest, the Panthers are looking to get back on track against rookie QB Mitchell Trubisky and the Bears who are coming off a stunning win against the Ravens. The Panthers could be getting two key pieces back on both sides of the ball with Ryan Kalil and Luke Kuechly progressing well.
Back on track
In their Thursday night game, Cam Newton struggled to find any rhythm passing the ball, despite setting a career-high in pass attempts with 52. He threw three interceptions but two of them coming off of a tipped pass. Newton did score a rushing touchdown, but he didn't look settled against a stout Eagles defense, as he was constantly under pressure. Newton will be going up a stout pass defense in Chicago, as they rank eighth in pass yards allowed per game (198.3).
The run game hasn't been there for Carolina, as their leading rusher Johnathan Stewart only has 247 yards on the season. Cam Newton is second on that list with 161. The Panthers offense relies on the run game so play action pass opportunities can open up later in the game.
Cam Newton has the most success off of play action passes, using his mobility to allow his receivers to get open downfield. They can get the run game going this week as the Bears give up over 100 yards per game on the ground.
Coming back
The Panthers could be getting back to vital parts of their team from injuries. OL Ryan Kalil has been dealing with a neck injury he suffered in the season opener.
He admitted that the injury has been "very frustrating," but he did practice Tuesday and looked good according to head coach Ron Rivera. Kalil is a great communicator, and the Panthers offensive line could use that.
Luke Kuechly suffered his third concussion in three years but is trying to play this week. He participated in team stretching and worked with teammate Thomas Davis away from the practice field.
Rivera said Kuechly is "advancing" through the concussion protocol, but his status is still uncertain for Sunday.
Julius Peppers commented on trying to replace Kuechely if he does miss the game by simply saying, "You can't replace Luke Kuechley."
Peppers is returning to Chicago where he left the Panthers for after the 2009 season. Peppers isn't really full of emotions coming back to Soldier Field telling reporters "Not too many emotions. I've been going back there the past three years now. I've gotten over that part of it. It'll be nice to see [Bears coach John] Fox. It'll be nice and see some of the guys that worked for the Bears. I had some great memories there, great relationships.'' (David Newton, ESPN)
The Panthers shouldn't feel discouraged after the loss to Philadelphia.
They should look to bounce back against the Bears who have a rookie QB in Trubisky. The Panthers defense should be able to get after him and force him into mistakes, giving Newton more opportunities on offense. The game can be seen at 1:00 PM EST on CBS.
