Panthers vs. Titans: Defensive Game Plan Predictions

Since Music City Miracles did a good job of putting together the stats I’m just going to link to it.

On defense the Panthers will be concerned with stopping LenDale White and containing Vince Young. The Titans are 3rd in rushing yards per game but that doesn’t worry me the most. The Panthers have given up some yards on the ground this season but can usually get off the field if that’s the only threat. Kemo and Kris Jenkins will be the key to stopping the run. They have to get off their blocks and get their mitts on the bowling ball RB White. If White is hitting LB’s and S’s clean then he will get 6-8 yards just falling forward. That will make for a long day for the Panthers. We don’t have to worry about Chris Henry as he is facing a suspension for failing a drug test. You can check that story over at MCM as well.

Young has struggled in the passing game but that doesn’t make me feel any better. I still have memories of that remarkable National Championship game which makes me think he might go Michael Vick on us (from a football perspective). He should be close to 100% so the Panthers should have a spy assigned to keeping an eye on him and keeping him from running down field.

None of their receivers conjures up any type of a threat. Justin Gage (17 rec, 200 yds) has some speed but I’ve never heard of their leading receiver Roydell Williams (20 rec, 299 yds). They only have three passing TD’s on the season whereas Steve Smith has six by himself. Bo Scaife could mimic the TE’s before him this year and catches some balls over the middle.  

Jeff Fisher has made no secret of the Titans intent to run the ball. In fact, he almost dares any defense to stop them from running. At 150 per game it must be working. I expect either Thomas Davis or Chris Harris to light up LenDale at least once and force a fumble.

On the injury front it looks like Dan Morgan and Adam Seward are still out. Jon Beason will again man the middle and that concerns me very little nowadays. The rookie is really starting to shine. Bigger issue yet, will be have a Julius Peppers sighting this week? Julius could change the game all by himself. Will the Panthers bring heat on Young or will they give him time and hope he makes a mistake. I hope for the former.

I’ve already gone on record as predicting the Panthers will win a slugfest 13-9. Granted, I wouldn’t put money on that. If the Panthers win it will because the defense kept the Titans out of the end zone and the offense AND special teams didn’t turn the ball over.

Panthers 13 Titans 9

Go Panthers!