Early look at the Detroit Lions 2017 opponents: Carolina Panthers
By Ash Thompson
Running Backs
The Panthers have one of the more intriguing backfields in the NFL for 2017. Johnathan Stewart has finally strung together a few seasons where he played in the majority of the games. After several injury plagued years, he has taken a place among the league’s most effective backs when on the field. Cam Newton has been the team’s — arguably — second most effective rusher but the team is looking to change that in 2017.
Christian McCaffery went to the Panthers with the eighth overall pick in the 2017 draft. McCaffery is a dynamic player in space and looks likely to take on a role familiar to Lions fans used to watching Theo Riddick on Sundays. McCaffery represents the absolute zenith of the NFL’s move toward emphasizing the passing game but is also a capable runner. His presence as an outlet when Cam Newton is under pressure is a game changer for the Panthers offense.
The Lions will be tested by the Panthers ground game. Haloti Ngata, Akeem Spence, and Cornelius Washington are on the team specifically to clog rushing lanes on first down. If they can do that, it will be up to the linebackers and secondary to hold up their end on second and third down.
Offensive Line
The quality, or lack thereof, of the Panthers offensive tackle group, lost them a Superbowl. It was also the primary issue with their offense last season. The Panthers have made moves to fix the problem, with Matt Kalil joining the team as their new Left Tackle. They also drafted Western Michigan’s Taylor Moton in the second round to shore up the right tackle spot.
Moton may take a season to get up to speed, but the team has massively upgraded their quality and depth at the tackle position. This will not be a repeat of the 2016 Panthers offense, assuming Kalil can stay healthy, and Moton is good as advertised.
Their interior line consists of Matt’s brother Ryan Kalil, Pro Bowler Trai Turner, and next year’s #1 free agent guard Andrew Norwell. There is no better interior line in the national football league. If the Tackle group has risen to even a half way decent level for the Panthers they will challenge the Dallas Cowboys for the title of the best line in the league.
The battle up front will be the determining factor for the Lions defense in week five of the season. If they can’t get pressure from the outside, they are not likely to get any. Cam Newton may not be Tom Brady in the pocket, but if he’s kept clean, and free to break off a run or two the Lions will be in trouble during their week five matchup.