Carolina Panthers Vs. Houston Texans- Defensive Preview

by James Dator on Dec 17, 2011 1:37 PM EST

Standing tall in the pocket and throwing with confidence is one of the key reasons Yates has been able to have early success. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Yesterday I looked at the Carolina Panthers' offensive chances in the face of a stout Houston Texans' defense. Today the tables are turned as we look at how the Panthers will be able to try and stop Arian Foster and rookie QB T.J. Yates.

X-Factor: T.J. Yates

One has to wonder if Matt Schaub got injured only to be replaced with Matt Schaub 2.0. Looking back on the 2004 draft it's amazing how Schaub lasted until the third round to be drafted, heck J.P. Losman was selected before him! We'll see if looking back on the 2011 draft we'll ponder how another former ACC QB was overlooked until the 5th round.

Though his first start against Jacksonville was rocky he's improved greatly since that day. This culminated last week with him facing the best defense he's seen in the Cincinnati Bengals. The result? Yates completed almost 60% of his passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns. This week without Andre Johnson he'll need to be at his best, even against the beleaguered Panthers secondary. In turn, Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy will need to bring pressure this week to keep Yates off balance. Ultimately I feel that without Johnson it will be hard for Yates to beat the Panthers with his arm.

Edge: Panthers

Carolina run defense Vs. Houston run offense

With the exception of last week Arian Foster has been running like he was fired out of a gun in 2011. Early concerns about his injury dissolved as he's now run for over 950 yards on the season with still games in hand. When playing similar run defenses to Carolina's he's torched them and there's little reason to think this will change this week.

Tomorrow we'll really find out the true nature of these replacement DTs. Are they really just what the doctor ordered, or did the perfect storm of changing DTs coincide with playing back-to-back weak offensive lines? Personally, I'm thinking it's more than latter than the former and I don't have a lot of faith they can stop Foster.

Edge: Texans

Carolina pass defense Vs. Houston pass offense

I know it seems like an anachronism after giving the Panthers the edge against Yates, but I'm favoring the Texans in this match-up, even without Andre Johnson. The reason for this is quite simple: Owen Daniels and Arian Foster. Thus far the Texans have succeeded in not asking Yates to do too much, and this will be the MO this week too.

Daniels and Foster are Houston's #1 and #2 receivers with Andre Johnson a fairly distant third. They keep defenses off balance with a mixture of Foster's running and catching out of the backfield, much how we use Jonathan Stewart. While neither Daniels at TE, nor Foster are game breakers in terms of their receiving ability they excel at moving the chains and routinely grind the ball down the field only to punch it in at the end. The Panthers have struggled against tight ends and RBs in the open field in 2011, and here's where I think they can get burnt.

Edge: Texans

Overall Outlook

If you're a visiting Texans fan you should probably know my picking of the game doesn't really follow rhyme or reason. Logically I think Houston will win, but my heart wont let me call it that way. That being said, homer tendencies aside I feel Texans' fans will be surprised this game will be close- if the Panthers can keep their composure they can win, but in 2011 they haven't shown themselves to be very good at keeping their composure.

Carolina 21 - Houston 17

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Comments

we can win this

We just need to expose yates as the rookie he is (much like the falcons did with cam last week) if big money has a big game yates could struggle to keep the texans going. Let’s hope we can turn up for a whole game this time

Save us Pilares

by LimeyPanther on Dec 17, 2011 1:52 PM EST via mobile reply actions

oh...

much like the falcons did to TJ two weeks ago??? OH WAIT :O

All I want to do is FAAAARRRRRRRRRMMMMMMMMM!!!....and COok.

by Mellowcheese on Dec 17, 2011 10:06 PM EST up reply actions

If the Texans

Forget their identity, much like the Falcons did for the first half last week, and try to beat us with Yates we should have a chance to win. I have a feeling they will run, run, and run some more against us. We may hold up for a while, but our defense has shown we can’t stop anyone for 4 quarters. Texans 31 Panthers 17.

by kittylover on Dec 17, 2011 2:08 PM EST reply actions

Nothing to do with this thread - - - but

One of the funniest things I’e seen on live TV in a long time, and of all places, ESPN.
It was just before kick-off of the Sam Houston State – Montana game. The camera was panning the crowd and zoomed in on a group of SHSU coeds holding a BIG sign that read " Muck Fontana". When the cameraman realized the real context of the sign he nearly dropprd his camera !!!
Had to pass this along.

Jim

by goofygolfer on Dec 17, 2011 2:11 PM EST reply actions

LOL

Cam Newton, when a reporter asks him who will win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday: "I'll tell you Sunday."

by Son of a Newton on Dec 17, 2011 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

That is beautiful!

by kittylover on Dec 17, 2011 2:14 PM EST reply actions

To clear a few things up

While Jacksonville was T.J. Yates first NFL game, it was not his first start. He came in to run the two-minute drill at the end of the first half when Leinart was injured. He got the Texans into field-goal range on that drive and then was totally shut down by the coaching staff in the second half. His first start was against Atlanta and while he did well, if not for a Dunta Robinson penalty that negated a pick-six, Houston could have easily lost that game. He’s played well for a rookie, but he’s still a rookie and has made several rookie mistakes. We’re not complaining at all about his play in Houston.

Houston’s run offense might take a hit because Mike Brisiel, one of our starting guards, is out with a broken leg, having had surgery on Monday. The Texans have a great O-line because of their teamwork, and having Antoine Caldwell start might be a problem.

In the passing game, many defenses forget to look for Joel Dreessen in the red zone. He has six TD’s this year, and while he is questionable for Sunday, Kubiak expects him to play.

by SubCrim on Dec 17, 2011 2:14 PM EST reply actions 4 recs

nice summary analysis

If I had read this in the national media I would’ve been dumbstruck because they usually can’t even spell our starters’ names (much less know who our backup guards are.) Not only is this Texans fan shooting straight, they also brought up a few points that should be more important to the outcome of this game than the typical Texans-Panthers talking points punctuating the endless stream of Tebow-talk on ESPN and NFLN.

How the Texans O-line operates with a starter out (Brisiel) will be one of the single-most important variables in this game. In addition to the drop-off in talent in the starter spot, you also lose chemistry (hugely important to the Texans scheme) and depth (which tends to rear its ugly head late in the game.) Casual fans often mistake the O-line’s performance for the RB’s, especially in this scheme. Don’t get me wrong, Arian Foster is my favorite player; but if the O-line isn’t getting it done he will struggle.

"Whoa there, motherf**ker!" Goldilocks shrieked at the big, bad linebacker.

by Still Blue on Dec 17, 2011 6:09 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I honestly feel it’s as simple as this: If Cam can protect the ball, we win. If he doesn’t, we lose. Been that way all year, despite rhyme or reason. Why would it change now?

by pancanbra on Dec 17, 2011 2:37 PM EST via mobile reply actions

You guys live and die with Cam.

If Cam plays to his potential and doesn’t turn the ball over, regardless of how your defense is playing, you can go head to head with any neam in the nfl and beat them.

If he turns the ball over, you’re in trouble.

The game’s in Cam’s hands.

by runningblack on Dec 17, 2011 3:01 PM EST via mobile reply actions

*team

Sorry, I’m on my phone.

by runningblack on Dec 17, 2011 3:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

That's because we run with a college D.

Next year I’m hoping that’s not the case.

"Nah, you look like Elijah Wood." - danmerqury

by OldhamA on Dec 17, 2011 3:27 PM EST up reply actions

I actually agree

While our D is atrocious, our O is amazing when we lead a balanced attack. As long as Cam makes a few big plays in the beginning and then just manages the game…our D doesn’t have too much pressure. The Detroit and Atlanta games were very painful because Cam was forced to pass and was forcing certain passes. Our defense comes out brandishing a gun only for the opposition to realize later it’s a BB gun and then we run away crying.

by Atlantapanther on Dec 17, 2011 3:31 PM EST up reply actions

I had to come up with a ridiculous example in honor of Cam

by Atlantapanther on Dec 17, 2011 3:31 PM EST up reply actions

You are 100% correct.

When Cam turns the ball over we are 0-9, and when Cam doesn’t turn the ball over we are 4-0. A lot of that has to do with our defense playing pretty pathetic this year when push comes to shove in the fourth quarter.

Cam Newton, when a reporter asks him who will win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday: "I'll tell you Sunday."

by Son of a Newton on Dec 17, 2011 3:45 PM EST up reply actions

I think we need to treat this game like readers said we did (I think it was the Bucs game)

We didn’t think their back up QB could beat us so we kept running players up to stuff their rushing game. While doing that we can get more pressure on the Texans’ QB. If we can stop their run and make them beat us with the pass, I think we have a chance.

STICK THE KNIFE IN AND TURN IT!!!!!

by MrBernz on Dec 17, 2011 3:37 PM EST reply actions

it comes down to the Panthers " WANT TO"

In 12 of 13 games they have base the lead late. In two we missed field goals. In a few our offence made mistakes. The biggest problem is stopping the other team in the 4th quarter. Is it conditioning? Is it talent? Is it youth? Is it lack of heart? Is it lack of team adjustments by coaches? I see a little of all of these. IMO this team should have 2-4 ( see missed field goals for the 2) more wins if players would just make plays! I really like the last two news conferences Coach has had. He is putting it out there that if you are not going to do your job you will be replaced. This was made clear to the players and the coaches. As a Panther fan I am pissed we have not won more. I do think the the message is getting across. Take a look at the names on the roster these last 3 games. Take a look at the coaches that are on the staff. When training camp opens next year there will be changes. I like the head man in charge. Ron is telling these high price employees of a GAME to play at their highest level at all times, or they will be gone. I look for a good finish weather we win another game or not. The seed is planted. The players in 2012 will know what is expected. This being said. The Panthers will win Sunday. They will finish 6-10 with one win against a team that makes the playoffs. 2012 prediction is flipped to 10-6 and a playoff season.

"Success in anything we do in life is like building a house. Your talents are the bricks. You heart is the foundation. If you don’t have the foundation, all the talent in the world will crumble and fall".

by NCBAMAFA on Dec 17, 2011 3:38 PM EST via mobile reply actions

I do think that our roster may look dramatically different next season...

But I honestly think the determining factor in that will be up to Hurney and how he drafts and how he accommodates what the coaches need. I mean Hurnny needs to work on owning up to his mistakes and being more open to bringing in quality FAs. I don’t mean a slew of superstar FAs (see the mess known as the 2011 Eagles), but I mean more than a handful of players coming off of their couches, a handful of practice squad warriors, and a 30-something DT who tears his tricep on his first day of practice in training camp.

Hurney’s not the epitome of a miserable GM – he’s hit on his first round picks, he committed highway robbery in his trade for Olsen – but there’s more than enough room for improvement.

Yep. I'm a female who religiously follows a football blog.

"When you get into coaching, you strive to be a Super Bowl-winning head coach. That’s what my goal is, to come here and become a Super Bowl-winning head coach and to sustain an atmosphere of winning." - Ron Rivera

by jamiedk on Dec 18, 2011 12:30 PM EST up reply actions

I just thought of something...

If it’s an “X-Factor” how can there be an “edge” one way or the other? Shouldn’t X-Factor imply something that can tip the scales?

by aceofsween on Dec 17, 2011 3:43 PM EST reply actions

My feeling is that the ‘x-factor’ is the element on both sides of that ball with the greatest potential to transcend the side of the ball and win the game, the wild card if you will.

From there I evaluate whether I think this element will or won’t succeed.

Follow me on Twitter! @James_Dator

by James Dator on Dec 17, 2011 6:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Brian Cushings gonna pop Cams cherry if he runs!!!!!

by BullsOnCrack on Dec 17, 2011 5:13 PM EST reply actions

As a warning to fellow CSR members...

by aceofsween on Dec 17, 2011 5:32 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs

I'm betting that guy is sock puppet

trying to make Texans fans look bad. Never seen him before.

"Whoa there, motherf**ker!" Goldilocks shrieked at the big, bad linebacker.

by Still Blue on Dec 17, 2011 6:12 PM EST up reply actions

Neither have I

Murphy’s 20th Military Law:
If it’s stupid, but it works, it ain’t stupid
"Fuck em all. Go Texans."

by The Night Owl on Dec 17, 2011 8:23 PM EST up reply actions

And......

Green

"One step at a time"

by mcdonaldwr on Dec 17, 2011 8:34 PM EST up reply actions

Defense! we don't play defense

We have not play good defense the whole season, Just score 50 then we will win.

by LovePanthers on Dec 17, 2011 7:04 PM EST reply actions

just a couple observations from a Texans fan

1) Duane Brown has not allowed a sack all season. How do your ends fare against the better tackles??

2) texans lead the afc in forced turnovers and turnover differential. and are 5th and 4th respectively in the league. It may be tough to have a clean game.

3) pressure should be coming. We’re 6th in the league in sacks. How are your tackles?

4) my prediction. T.J. airs it out again for over 250 yards and 1 TD. Texans win 31-24 including a defensive TD.

by _empty on Dec 17, 2011 10:08 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions

Here's the scoop from one fan's viewpoint:

1) Charles Johnson is one of the best DEs in the league. If he’s matched up with Duane Brown, it will be a war zone. Greg Hardy (aka, the Kraken) has a non-stop motor, and he is much better than his stats show at disrupting offenses.

2) If we don’t win the turnover battle, we can’t beat you. Simple as that, but tough as hell to do.

3) Jordan Gross is still a top Left Tackle, but he gets beat on occasion. Byron Bell is starting at Right Tackle due to injuries. He’s a UDFA rookie; and, well, he’s pretty good for a UDFA rookie. It’s been tough to keep pressure off of Cam, but fortunately he will escape it and make plays on his own (usually good plays, too many bad ones)

4) T.J. has been impressive. Our defense has improved, but will struggle against Daniels and Dreesen. If we keep Yates under 200 and force a pick or 2, I’ll be thrilled.

Panthers win 31-24, including a defensive TD. ;-P

So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.

by Rick Bates on Dec 18, 2011 10:55 AM EST up reply actions

Game

I think Car.def. will have a very tough time stopping the Texans. We need to put a spotter on Foster. He’s very dangerous on screens. Their tight ends are very good. We’ve had a hard time stopping 1 and they’ve got 2 good ones. Our run def. will be challenged big time .Tate could probably be starting on 2/3 of teams. We are going to have to play for 4 quarters to have a chance. We can’t be having silly to’s and we can’t be having a lot of 3 and outs bunched together. Thats whats been happening all season. It’s been gassing our def.

It’s possible we could win. We need a complete game for 4 qts. I haven’t seen it happen all year. Tex. 27 Car. 17

by oldpanther on Dec 18, 2011 8:54 AM EST reply actions