Carolina Panthers: How They Can Defeat The Indianapolis Colts

The undefeated Carolina Panthers will welcome the Indianapolis Colts to Charlotte on Sunday in an attempt to push their record to 7-0. The Panthers surprised a lot of pundits with their play this season, but the work is still far from done if they are expecting the respect that many feel they have been denied. While the 3-4 Colts seem like a team the Panthers should be able to handle, there’s a reason games like this are often called “trap games.”

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The ESPN Matchup Predictor gives the Panthers a 56.8 percent chance to win this game. On paper, there are a myriad of reasons as to why Carolina should be able to control this game. For example, the Colts are giving up 122.7 rushing yards per game, which is where the Panthers excel this year. Their running committee puts together 144.7 yards and uses it masterfully to control the clock. The Colts should expect a heavy dose of Jonathan Stewart and company for much of this game; a major weakness that the Panthers can exploit.

Another compelling story is how well Cam Newton will perform in this game. He struggled against the Philadelphia Eagles. Even though his team pulled out the victory, it was more in spite of his play, rather than because he powered them to the win. The Colts do not have a spectacular pass defense, but they have been able to force 7 interceptions this year which matches Newton’s total. He must get his mistakes down and use the Colts as an opportunity to prove that last week was an anomaly.

The Colts have consistently given up large amounts of receiving yards to teams that use multiple attack options. This is a great opportunity for the Panthers to see who is going to match Greg Olsen’s high level of play this year. He’s performed extremely well as the number-one target for Newton, but no other player has remained consistent to add a notable amount of yards to compliment Olsen.

Oct 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks Marshawn Lynch (24) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) and safety Kurt Coleman (20) during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

From a defensive standpoint the Panthers-D should be able to handle what the Colts will throw their way. Their unit is fully healthy and playing extremely well. Even though the offense is putting up some of the best numbers in the organization’s history, it’s the defense that sets the tone for this organization. Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, Josh Norman and crew look like a favorable matchup against the Colts offense.

Walking into a game and expecting a win is always a dangerous situation in the National Football League. The Panthers need to come out focused and poised in this game against the Colts or all the momentum they’ve worked hard to gain six games into their 2015 campaign.

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