The 0-5 Carolina Panthers are on the brink of a much-needed break. But before they get to that bye week, they may have to deal with their toughest task yet.
Here are the top storylines for the Panthers’ Week 6 matchup against the dynamic Miami Dolphins:
It's all in the wrist
Reeling at 0-5, the Panthers are looking to simplify, simplify, simplify. And part of that simplification process has quarterback Bryce Young sporting a new accessory.
Maybe it’s not as prolific as the phonebook Russell Wilson wears, but Young’s play-call wristband was a pretty hot topic this week. A collaborative decision between the rookie and his coaching staff to tighten up communication, the forearm aid has been in action for the offense over the past two outings.
Those efforts haven’t exactly yielded the most efficient results, as the unit still largely struggled to organize and execute in their play-calling. Young’s fourth quarter in Detroit, however, might’ve left the Panthers with a glimmer of hope—as he completed nine of his 12 throws for 101 yards and two scores in a more high-paced approach.
He may have a chance to build on that this Sunday, especially against a less-than-stingy Dolphins pass defense. Miami has allowed the sixth-highest completion percentage (71.2), the 10th-most yards per attempt (7.0) and has picked off just two passes through five games.
The 'Bama Bro
They may not be great at defending the pass, but the Dolphins are incredibly good at, well, passing it themselves. In fact, there’s nobody better.
Miami is averaging a robust 327.8 passing yards per contest—almost 50 yards more than the next closest team. That attack has been led by Bryce’s fellow Alabama alum and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as well as wideout Tyreek Hill, who is already up to 651 yards and five scores on the season.
Facing this group—which also includes other lethal speedsters in Jaylen Waddle, Braxton Berrios and Robbie Chosen (remember him?)—is a tough task for anyone. But it’ll be particularly tough for the Panthers, who will be down three of their starting defensive backs in corner Jaycee Horn and safeties Vonn Bell and Xavier Woods.
Every play they're hustlin'
Miami just doesn’t pass it better than anyone, they run it at a league-leading pace as well. So, yeah, there’s no doubt that head coach Mike McDaniel is pressing all the right buttons.
One of his best buttons sits in the backfield with Raheem Mostert, who has seven touchdowns while running the rock at a meaty 5.4 yards per tote. And with rookie sensation De’Von Achane and fellow vet Jeff Wilson both out, Mostert should get plenty of looks against what’s been a leaky Carolina run defense.
The Panthers have allowed 146.7 rushing yards per game over the last three weeks. Will they keep from drowning in South Beach this time around?
