It’s been three weeks up and three weeks down for the Carolina Panthers, who are very much down at an 0-3 mark. The same can be said about their opponents on Sunday, who also come into the weekend with an 0-3 record.
So if the Panthers want to get one up on the Minnesota Vikings, here are four key matchups they’ll have to get the better of.
Panthers WR Adam Thielen vs. Vikings DB Josh Metellus
Ironically enough, Thielen will likely be Carolina’s key to victory in his first matchup against his former employer.
The 33-year-old veteran will see plenty of snaps in the slot, where Metellus is positioned for Minnesota. If Thielen follows up his 145-yard outing in Seattle with another triple-digit output, he can help keep the Panthers in the game and the Vikings’ powerful offense off the field.
Panthers CB CJ Henderson vs. Vikings WR Justin Jefferson
Let’s be real—there is very little chance anyone on Carolina’s roster is going to stop Minnesota’s all-world wide receiver. But that does not mean the defense should not to attempt to contain him.
Henderson has had a relatively solid start to the season, as his current Pro Football Focus grade in coverage sits 10 points higher than last season’s mark. But he’ll need to take an even bigger step up on Sunday to stop Jefferson from taking over the game.
Panthers QB Bryce Young vs. expectations
After missing Week 3 with his ankle injury, Carolina’s hope for the future and franchise quarterback will be back on the field this Sunday. And with the Panthers at 0-3 while coming off a pretty productive performance from backup Andy Dalton, the expectations are a bit higher for the No. 1 overall pick.
But Young cannot allow those expectations to force him off his game. If he can stay cool, calm, and collected—and show off some of the skill set that we saw in college—he could find the first win of his pro career and the first win of Carolina’s season.
Panthers LG Chandler Zavala vs. Vikings DL Dean Lowry
Zavala has already experienced some bumps and bruises in his rookie campaign. Last week was particularly rough for the fourth-rounder, who allowed 14 pressures of Dalton in the 37-27 loss.
This week, he will be tested by the veteran Lowry. And while Lowry isn’t an elite-tier pass rusher, Zavala must take a step forward at some point—especially with usual starter Brady Christensen already done for the year.
