With week 2 of the NFL season started tonight, it’s time for me write the preview of the Buffalo Bills at the Carolina Panthers! The game is at one o’clock at Bank of America Stadium (obviously), this Sunday. Panthers are 7 points favorites as of Thursday. Bills and Panthers are both 1-0 after the first week of NFL action, the Bills defeated the Jets 21-12 while Panthers took down the 49ers 23-3 last Sunday. Panthers fans have given Buffalo the nickname “Carolina North” since Bills hired former Carolina’s assistant GM Brandon Beane as their GM, hiring former defensive coordinator Sean McDermott as their head coach and signed former Panthers fullback Mike Tolbert. The nickname has only gained significance in recent weeks as the Bills signed former quarterback Joe Webb and made a trade with the Panthers for Kaelin Clay.
The centerpiece of the Bills offense is the rushing attack headed by LeSean McCoy, who’s arguably one of the most dangerous runner’s in the NFL. The Bills passing game, first-year offensive coordinator Rick Dennison is turning QB Tyrod Taylor into an improved pocket passer and stressing tight end involvement. Small sample size but week 1 it appears Taylor and TE Charles Clay are on the same page with Dennison’s plan. Taylor targeted Clay a game-high 9 times, including game’s opening touchdown. Bills emphasized run defense and to great effectiveness, while it was only the Jets but Buffalo held New York to just 38 yards on 15 carries. Even though it was one game against the Jets…But the Bills had the second-best in terms of yards allowed per carry in the preseason. The Bills also picked off the Jets twice, Bills went just 3-5 on the road last season (3-4-1).
The 23-3 rout of San Francisco 49ers last Sunday, Panthers got a much-needed victory right off the bat to shake off their 6-10 performance during the 2016 season. Quarterback Cam Newton was clearly rusty after only throwing a couple passes in the preseason and with shoulder surgery. He did just enough throwing 171 yards on 14-of-25 passing and 2 touchdowns. The running duo of Jonathan Stewart and rookie Christian McCaffrey was a huge part of the Panthers offense last Sunday, especially McCaffrey.
This game is big for both teams, Panthers want to start the season off 2-0 before playing NFC South Rival New Orleans Saint and go to Foxborough to face off against the Patriots. But if Cam and company want to walk away with the win there going to have to be better offensively. Especially the run duo will have to do better, were also going to see how good the offensive line really is, since they didn’t allow Cam to get sack once against the 49ers. Panthers run defense will also be tested and were going to see how good the defensive line really is. This game will be a good early test for the Panthers, see how good they really are. But I do believe the Panthers will win in a hard-fought defensive battle and start the season 2-0. Make sure to check back here tomorrow for a weekly news update on the Hornets and Panthers! Till then go follow me on Twitter: @CarolinaFlights and my YouTube account: https://youtu.be/TLOmMVRjy90!
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