The Carolina Panthers take on the Houston Texans in the first game of Week 3, but who needs to step up for the Panthers to stay unbeaten?
The Carolina Panthers are in Thursday Night Football action to kick off Week 3 as they take on the Houston Texans, who are without starting quarterback, Tyrod Taylor.
The Panthers are currently 2-0 with Sam Darnold getting one over his former team, the New York Jets, then demolishing the New Orleans Saints. But who has to play well to help this team to stay unbeaten on Thursday night?
These are the Panthers players who need to be in top form in Week 3 to pick up the third straight victory.
Key Carolina Panthers players to beating the Texans in Week 3
3. Sam Darnold, QB
So far, Darnold has looked at home in the Carolina offense, finally protected by a good offensive line, having some weapons to throw at from the pocket and not forgetting arguably the best running back in the league, Christian McCaffrey. Darnold has thrown for 584 yards and three touchdowns with only one interception. He’s not stood out amazingly but has done a really good job of getting this offence working under offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
Though the Texans are not stacked on talent in the secondary, they do have a few guys who have made plays this season. Darnold will need to keep up his form and not make decisions like he did in New York. He must get the ball to his playmakers deep when needed. If he allows the Texans defense to get their confidence up through his mistakes, he could make the night harder than it needs to be.
2. Jaycee Horn, CB
Rookie cornerback — and son of NFL legend Joe Horn — Jaycee Horn could be key in this game for the Panthers to dominate. Horn has had a strong season so far, picking up his first career interception in the blowout over the Saints. Horn and the rest of the Panthers secondary has been key to making this defense, currently ranked No. 1 in the league.
The Texans’ biggest threat is the deep ball to players like Brandin Cooks and Anthony Miller. Horn could be play a big part in breaking this up. And with rookie quarterback Davis Mills starting, he may even be able to rack some numbers with another interception.
1. Defensive Line
One way to make Thursday night a lot easier will be if the defensive line can get pressure on Mills and, quite simply, make his life a misery. Defensive end Brian Burns has been a star so far this season getting two sacks. This game could be an option to rack them up if he can break Texans lineman Laremy Tunsil.
The more pressure this line can push on Mills the better; he doesn’t have the experience to deal with and could be key in getting this game over and done with early. Playing a rather mis-mashed Texans is big for this defense to keep growing in confidence.