Carolina Panthers: Storylines to watch after bye week

The Carolina Panthers are coming out of the bye week and looking to build momentum as they welcome the New York Giants to Charlotte.

The Carolina Panthers are coming out of their bye week with a big matchup, hosting the 1-3 New York Giants in Week 5. Even though the ESPN Matchup Predictor gives the Panthers a 73.4 percent chance to win the game; this is the type of trap scenario that could derail any of the momentum that the organization is trying to build.

On the defensive side of the ball, the addition of Eric Reid to a defensive secondary that needed his playmaking and leadership abilities will come into focus for the Panthers. On Friday, ESPN’s David Newton confirmed that Reid will join the starting group for this defense. Even though he is coming from a 3-4 scheme, it’s being reported that his transition to Carolina’s 4-3 is going well.

Placing him alongside Mike Adams, Donte Jackson and James Bradberry in the secondary gives this group a new look that hasn’t been present since Josh Norman left via free agency a few seasons ago. Pay attention to how Reid performs in his first game as a member of the Panthers, because this is going to be a move that is highly scrutinized for reasons both on and off the field.

On the offensive side of the ball, one should watch the continued development of Carolina’s passing attack. It will be interesting to see how second-year wide receiver, Curtis Samuel, is implemented into the passing attack.

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This Sunday will mark his regular season debut after missing all the other games due to a medical illness. Carolina’s passing game has looked very solid so far this season and adding Samuel back to the fold gives a boost, especially with his speed which was on display for much of the preseason. He could also contribute in the return game, which has been an area where Carolina has struggled in the past.

"“He’s practiced well, and he stayed involved as much as could. The last couple of days in practice, he really just picked up where he left off,” Rivera said per Panthers.com. “Made a couple of big catches in practice. He’s looking good.”"

Greg Olsen will also be missing for one more game before returning to the roster. Even though he practiced during the week, he’s still not ready to return from the foot injury that’s forced him to the sideline. When Olsen returns and if the rest of the wide receivers, this will be the first time that the Panthers passing game will be at full strength and ready to perform with Cam Newton.

Having their bye week so early in the season should help the Panthers build key momentum as they welcome in the struggling New York Giants. It will be intriguing to see how these storylines and others play out on Sunday.