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Panthers - Bills previews & predictions roundup

KB_fan

By KB_fan,
in Carolina Panthers

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I thought it might be interesting to post in one thread any predictions / previews about the upcoming Panthers - Bills pre-season game.  I found a few this morning.  I'll post links and excerpts below.  

I know it's not a real game, so the previews are a lot less meaningful than during the season, but still, I like the idea of being able to see at a glance what various sources are saying about Panthers strengths & weaknesses and how we might match up with the Bills, and then being able to compare it with the reality on the field.

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Rant Sports has a fun article to read:

5 Bold Predictions for Carolina Panthers vs. Buffalo Bills in Preseason Week 1:  http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2015/08/12/5-bold-predictions-for-carolina-panthers-vs-buffalo-bills-in-preseason-week-1/

Some excerpts:

Both teams enter the 2015 NFL season with high hopes as the Panthers are trying to win their third-straight NFC South division title, and the Bills are expected to have one of the best defenses in the NFL with LeSean McCoy and the offensive line carrying the offense. It should be a physical matchup.

5. CAP will score a TD

While Cameron Artis-Payne is listed as the fourth-string running back on the first depth chart for the Panthers this preseason, he's been taking reps with the first- and second-string on a regular basis recently. Being a rookie, he will receive a number of reps this preseason which will give him the opportunity to prove himself to the coaching staff. Look for the former Auburn star to hit pay-dirt on Friday evening.

1. Devin Funchess Will Have 100 Yards Receiving

It was a little surprising to see Devin Funchess listed as a third stringer when the Panthers released their first depth chart of the preseason on Monday. Funchess knows the entire offense and by all accounts, he's looked the part of a starting wide receiver in the NFL. Against the Bills, Funchess will likely receive ample playing time with the first and second units which will result in him racking up over 100 yards receiving. 

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I'm not really into sports betting (except a friendly wager with family members...) but here's a betting site with a pretty detailed preview:

http://topbet.eu/news/nfl-preseason-week-1-carolina-panthers-vs-buffalo-bills-august-14-2015.html

Does Carolina have what it takes to protect Cam Newton this coming season? That’s the most persistent question swirling around the Panthers’ camp this offseason, largely fueled by a rickety offensive line last year that saw opponents get to Carolina’s quarterbacks for 2.6 sacks per game.

This glaring weakness in Carolina’s game is something the team hopes to address—at least partially—when the Panthers begin their preseason campaign. And there’s no better opponent for the Panthers to test their O-line than Buffalo, owner of the most unforgiving front seven last season.

In 2014, the Bills racked up 54 sacks, the most in the NFL that year. After the health troubles of Cam Newton last season, wherein he missed a game for the first time in his career, the Panthers are definitely pressed to improve the way they protect their franchise quarterback.

Another point of interest for the Panthers in the Buffalo game is the play of their rookies, Shaq Thompson and Devin Funchess in particular.

Thompson has a chip on his shoulder this coming season with several analysts saying they’re uncertain whether the former Washington Huskies hybrid would excel at whichever position he’ll eventually fill in as a pro. In college, Thompson played linebacker, safety, and even running back.

Devin Funchess, meanwhile, is in the same predicament as Thompson in terms of role uncertainty. Some say he’s not fast enough to be a receiver and lacks the size to be a tight end. Hopefully for the Panthers, their preseason games will help them sort out these issues before September.

Writer’s Prediction: Buffalo wins, 24-17.

 

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A Bills' fan site focuses on some of the key matchups possible during the game:

http://billsmafia.com/2015/08/11/buffalo-bills-vs-carolina-panthers-preseason-preview-key-matchups-and-players-to-watch/

Bills RT Cyrus Kouandjio vs Panthers DE Kony Ealy

Cyrus Kouandjio saw significant time with the Bills’ first-team offense during the first two weeks of training camp, but is listed as the No. 2 right tackle behind Seantrel Henderson. Kouandjio, who was Buffalo’s second-round pick in last year’s draft, has yet to take a regular season snap and will look to prove that his disastrous rookie preseason outings are behind him.

On Friday, he’ll face off with Panthers’ left defensive end, Kony Ealy, a fellow 2014 second-round pick who played just 368 defensive snaps as a rookie. Ealy, who stands 6’5” and weighs 276 pounds recorded 12 tackles and four sacks last year and is the backup to Frank Alexander. Both players are fighting to prove that they deserve playing time, so this battle in the trenches should be fun to watch.

Bills DT Stefan Charles vs Panthers LG Andrew Norwell/Amini Silatolu

With Kyle Williams reportedly set to miss a “few days” per Rex Ryan after a minor injury, it appears that Stefan Charles will step into his role if he misses Friday’s game. Charles has been productive in his limited action with the team as a rotational player over the past two seasons and a solid outing against a first-team offensive linemen could go a long way in his battle with Corbin Bryant for playing time.

Andrew Norwell is listed as Carolina’s starting left guard after starting the final 10 games of the 2014 season there, while allowing one sack, one QB Hit and 16 pressures in 848 offensive snaps. If Charles faces the second-team unit, he’ll square off with Amini Silatolu, who was benched after five games last year.

Charles fits Ryan’s prototype for the five-technique defensive end that can kick inside to tackle. The 6’5” 305-pounder has made the most of his opportunities to date, and he’ll look to continue that on Friday.

 

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Good job @KB_fan. I know it's only preseason, but you're right, it is kinda nice to see our team from an outside perspective. 

I hope someone writes an article on how to not overreact to preseason wins or losses. We have a ton of newbs this year and there needs to be a do's and don'ts of posting reactionary drivel. 

Anyway, it looks like you're in regular season form, good sir. I look forward to your roundups every week. 

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