Carolina Panthers Vs. Houston Texans in Week Fifteen: Fan’s Predictions
Carolina Panthers rookie Cam Newton is having one of his worst weeks as a pro after a pretty bad showing against the Atlanta Falcons in week fourteen of the 2011 NFL season. They now travel to play the Houston Texans and fellow rookie quarterback T.J. Yates. The Panthers will have their hands full against the current number one seed in the AFC. The Texans have already locked up a playoff spot, and are now hoping they can stay healthy long enough to keep that seeding.
Will Yates outplay Superman?
Fortunately for the former North Carolina Tar Heel, he won't have to. Cam Newton will have better statistics in this game, and Yates will not mind one bit. That is not the Texans' game at this stage. T.J. Yates is a capable passer, as his 300 yard game against the Cincinnati Bengals in week fourteen showed. He also seems to have a knack for closing out games. Cam Newton will outperform him statistically, but the steady Yates has a better supporting cast on the defensive side. He really needs to just feed that running game to have a strong chance to win.
Which Panthers team will show up?
The Panthers that played in the first half of the week fourteen game against Atlanta would slaughter this Texans group, if only because they would not be able to keep up. The team that showed up in the second half could not beat my high school football squad. Carolina is at that point where they are very good when they do not turn the ball over. When they do, they are horrid. Turnovers will determine this game as well. I see the Panthers playing better, but still coming up short in this category.
Is the Panthers' run defense from week fourteen for real?
The Panthers showed up big time in week fourteen against the run, and it was largely because the Falcons and Michael Turner was such a focus point during the week. Ron Rivera clearly decided to let Matt Ryan try to beat him, and he did. Ryan threw for four touchdowns and torched the Panthers secondary all day. I know that the Texans are a very similar team right now. They want to run it down your throat, but are capable of passing the ball. If the Panthers want to win, however, they have their best chance by making Yates beat them. I like Cam Newton's odds in that situation purely from a physical standpoint.
My prediction for the game
Cam Newton will play much better, but I see the Panthers coming up short. The Texans will be fired up having just made the playoffs for the first time, and that running game is stout. With so many things going for them, I do not see the Texans losing this game. The Panthers are going to be very strong in the years to come, but this will not be their week. Newton and the Panthers will lose by a touchdown, primarily due to turnovers.
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