Panthers vs. Titans: Game Day Open Thread

I agree that this game will tell us what kind of team we have this season.  If this team continues its listless play, on either side of the ball, it will get beaten today, perhaps badly.

On the other hand, if it plays up to our expectations and hopes, then we should win a hard-fought game.  This could set the tone for a winning season.

These are the dangers I see:
-- Carr gets poor blocking and is hit often, perhaps leaving the game; Vinny comes in with probably the same result, then it's down to Moore (a question mark)
-- Carr has been so pressured to throw the ball to Smith, that he ends up throwing interceptions, which could be OK if deep (40+ yards) (Footnote: in 2006, Carr threw only 14 interceptions; in only 8 games this season, Texans QBs have thrown 12 interceptions!)
-- no running game at all; running will be tough at the best
-- D-line puts no pressure on Young, giving him plenty of time to find receivers or take off running

These are the opportunities I see:
-- a decent running game is established, just enough to give the passing game a chance to succeed
-- imaginative play-calling, keeping the Titans off-balance; perhaps running the opposite of expected plays (pass in running situations, and vice versa)
-- Carr gets decent protection and gets a rhythm going with his receivers
-- the receivers, including Smith, don't drop passes that hit them in the hands and make some big plays that keep drives going
-- keep pressure on Young forcing him to throw hurried passes which he doesn't do well, thereby picking up two or three interceptions
-- do something on kickoffs, break one or two up to good field position

I'm optimistic for no good reason, so I'll call it:  20-17 for a Panthers win.

Can't see the game, but the NFL Center is showing a lot of passes to him.  What's happening?  Carr missing him?  Smith not open?  Smith dropping?  Etc.