Carolina @ Minnesota - Key Matchups

With two wins down, in two very hard fought victories, the Panther's next stop is the Minnesota Vikings posing unique challenges of its own. With Adrian Peterson and news yesterday that Travaris Jackson was benched in favor of 37 year old veteran Gus Frerotte this game is shaping up to be quite interesting yet again. So let's take a look at some of the key match-ups this week.

Panthers Defense vs Vikings RB Adrian Peterson

The first two games definitely have tested our run defense with Pro-bowler LaDainian Tomlinson and emerging rookie RB Matt Forte; but now they face the ultimate test in Adrian Peterson, 2007 rookie of the year. Last season he exploded onto the field and torched teams whenever had the ball, including the 296 yard game against San Diego setting the NFL record for single-game rushing yards. Through two week into this season he's the leading rusher with 268 yards, against the Packers and Colts, and doesn't show signs of slowing down.

The Panthers are currently 19th on rushing defense. The Vikings rely heavily on their running game to win games. With their passing offense ranked at 24th you can see why. Expect to see Carolina pack the box as full as possible, regularly with eight, and don't be surprised with 9 at times. While I don't expect Carolina to hold such an great player to minimal yards, but they must keep him in check and force them to pass to win.

With the Vikings benching Jackson it also means the defense will have to game plan differently and harder to know how Frerotte will play. While he's been around the league for a while a new face at quaterback can change everything.

Panthers DE Julius Pepers vs Vikings LT Artis Hicks

Last week Viking LT Artis Hicks was questionable against the Colts and he is not even their regular starter. Bryant McKinnie, the actual starter, is suspended for the first four games. We will have to watch the injury report to see if Hicks is still having troubles or if backup G Marcus Johnson will be going against Peppers. Either way, if there is any game where Julius Peppers should have a breakout game this is the one. The Vikings will need blocking help from tight ends and running backs on Gus Frerotte's blind side. This of course could open the other side of the line to have a big day as well.

Panthers LT Jordan Gross vs Vikings DE Jared Allen

The Vikings paid a lot to obtain Jared Allen during the off season (1st, 3rd, 3rd, swapped 6h round 2008 draft picks to the Cheifs). Through two games however Jared has not shown the same explosiveness as last season but he realizes it and is primed and hungry to have a big day. As we know Jordan Gross was moved to LT this year and so far this year this could be considered his biggest test. It does bode well for Gross that he has to face Peppers during training camp. Expect Gross to receive help on that side of the ball in order to give Delhomme extra time to throw down field to the "Rocket."

Panthers WR Steve Smith vs Vikings CB Antoine Winfield

There are two things working here, the fact that the Vikings are currently listed as 24th on passing defense and this is Steve Smith first game for the season. Since Smith likes to play with a chip on his sholder, being his first game back he will be hungry to make a statement on the field. But being away from the team for two week will be he rusty? Will he still have his timing with Delhomme? They haven't played in a regular season game together since the 3rd game of last season. Of course he won't be all alone on the edge as Antoine Winfield will do is best to stop him from having a big day. He kept Colts WR Marvin Harrison to 1 catch for 16 yards and intercepted Payton Manning. However, as good as Winfield might be they would be wise to slide a safety his way for help, if not expect a huge game for Smith.

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From Adrian Peterson in the backfield to new starter Gus Frerotte behind center there will be several callenges the Panthers will face that will once against test this team. After two come from behind victories to start the season, will winner's fatigue come calling, or will they rally around Steve Smith's return and show the rest of the league they for real.