Scouting report: Panthers vs. Colts

[Dont Check My Chicken]

Scouts Inc. Position Advantage

QB Panthers

RB Panthers

WR Panthers

OL Panthers

DL Colts

LB Panthers

DB Panthers

ST Panthers

Coach Panthers

1. Don't stumble in Indy: The winless Colts are coming off their much-needed bye, but they are the worst team in the league. The young Panthers need to show maturity and take care of business on the road. Although they caused three turnovers in their loss to Detroit, the Panthers turned the ball over four times themselves. The Panthers also allowed close to 500 yards. When it comes to special teams, these are two of the very worst teams in the league. Giving an advantage to either team was difficult in this area; there very well could be a blunder or two in this facet of the game.

2. Get a ground game going: The Colts really struggle to stop the run. Indianapolis has also allowed a lot of receptions to the running backs. The Panthers did a great job of getting both DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart involved last week in Detroit, both as runners and receivers. Carolina needs to keep that up to take some pressure off rookie QB Cam Newton.

3. Scale it back for Newton: Newton is an amazing physical specimen who can make just about any throw required of him. But his last two outings have not gone well. Newton has struggled it the red zone and threw four interceptions last week. The Panthers need to get their franchise quarterback back on track. Playing the Colts could be the perfect remedy to that problem.

4. Honor the Colts' weapons: Opposing wide receivers have not produced at a high level against the Panthers. For various reasons -- including pass protection and especially quarterback play -- Indianapolis' wide receivers have done very little this year. But Pierre Garcon and Reggie Wayne are proven playmakers. And coming off a bye, they could be ready to show up in a big way at home.

5. Matchup to watch: Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart vs. Colts LB Pat Angerer: The Panthers would be much better off if they could have a legitimate threat on the ground. And Stewart has really emerged as a receiver as well. The Panthers' opponents have actually played a fair amount of nickel against Carolina's base offense since they are not worried about Carolina's rushing attack. Angerer is one Indianapolis front-seven player who has stood out. He makes a ton of plays, is an exceptional tackler and reads plays very quickly despite his youth.

6. Try to stop Steve Smith: The Panthers' WR has put together a fantastic season. He can attack a defense at every level, is excellent with the ball in his hands and plays the game with rare aggression for the wide receiver position. Meanwhile, opposing wideouts are torturing the Colts' pass defense. While Antoine Bethea is still playing very good all-around football, Jacob Lacey has probably been the biggest liability in the Colts' secondary.

7. Wreak havoc off the edge: Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis remain a very formidable edge pass-rushing duo. Left tackle Jordan Gross has been very solid in all facets of the position, but the right side of Carolina's line is a real problem right now. Newton was sacked just once last week on the road against a very good Lions defensive line. He is a very difficult guy to chase down and get on the ground, but Newton has not handled the blitz particularly well.

8. Win this game on the ground: Carolina might just have the worst run defense in the NFL. The Panthers are very weak and young at defensive tackle. Injuries have ravaged this defense on the second level since early in the season. If the Colts are to notch their first win of the season, it might have to be on the strength of their run game. But collectively, the Colts' run blocking has been horrible this season. With the exception of stalwart center Jeff Saturday, the Colts have major issues with their offensive line. Indianapolis has also used a sixth offensive lineman with more regularity of late. That strategy might be effective this week. Also, the Colts ground game has been surprisingly good near the goal line. Detroit running back Kevin Smith ran for 140 yards against Carolina last week and is just the latest in a long list of running backs who have tortured the Panthers' run defense.

9. Sustain some offense: The Colts have had far too many three-and-outs and they are awful with time of possession. That puts a ton of stress on their smaller defense. With the bye week to prepare and playing at home against a suspect and undermanned Carolina defense, you would think this could be Indianapolis' golden opportunity to put longer drives together.

10. Matchup to watch: Colts offensive tackles vs. Panthers defensive ends: Much like the Colts, the Panthers feature strong edge pass-rushers. It could be argued that starting defensive ends Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy have been the Panthers' best two defensive players this season. Almost everything that Indianapolis does through the air is short -- which is a function of its poor protection and quarterback situation.

Prediction

Carolina 24

Indianapolis 14

If our coaches can adjust to the realities of the game - we should win this one!

[Wither]

In other words:

If the Panthers lose we can never go to Indy again.

[Marguide]

All I can say is the Colts LB's must be pretty bad if ours are better. And this comment does not apply to James Anderson, as he has played well.

I know Angerer has a ton of tackles. Are the rest of the Indy 'backers that bad?

[KillerKat]

Gross has not been "very solid". Him and Bell are going to have a hard time against Freeney and Mathis.