Tennessee Titans: Breaking down every 2019 regular season opponent
By John Lowell
Week 9 – Carolina Panthers (Away)
2018 Record: 7-9
Line: Carolina -3
Key Additions:
- Matt Paradis, C
- Gerald McCoy, DE
- Brian Burns, EDGE
Key Departures:
- Thomas Davis, OLB
- Devin Funchess, WR
- Ryan Kalil, C
The Carolina Panthers remind me a lot of the Titans. A well-coached, underachieving franchise with tons of young talent, and an oft-injured quarterback trying the patience of the fan base. Sound familiar?
Similar to Mariota, there’s no denying that quarterback Cam Newton is an incredibly gifted athlete. However, he has struggled at times with his accuracy. Newton retains a lowly 59.7 career completion percentage and has not thrown for over 4,000 yards since 2011, his rookie season.
The Titans defense has to generate enough pressure to fluster Newton, compelling him to try and fit the ball into tight windows. Panthers receiver Curtis Samuel has been virtually unguardable in training camp, and if that trend continues, even a corner as good as Logan Ryan could falter. Titans defensive coordinator Dean Pees must turn up the heat, and force the hand of the inaccurate Newton.
https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1059158282785513472
As for Panthers running back Christian McCaffery, I’m not sure there’s any shutting him down. The clash in Charlotte is a “prove-it” game for young Titans linebackers Jayon Brown, Rashaan Evans, and Harold Landry.
Prediction: Win
The Titans force a few turnovers and capitalize, scoring a defensive TD to swipe this one on the road.
Tennessee Titans win-loss counter: 8-3