Panthers vs Patriots: 3 key players who need to step up

The Panthers need good games out of these three to frustrate the Patriots and continue to build confidence after last weeks win.

The NFL is often a game of matchups, and each week, there are key cogs that change based on the strengths of the opponent or weaknesses the Panthers need to cover. This week, we’ll highlight three individuals that have something to prove, and need to step up for the team to be successful on Sunday.

Stephon Gilmore

We could use a classic “revenge game” and no one should be more motivated to provide one than Stephon Gilmore. He’ll be looking to stick it to his old team that didn’t give him what he was looking for in contract negotiations, leading to the trade with the Panthers. The situation is ripe for the “picking” with Mac Jones not exactly setting the world aflame, and the Panthers defense returning even closer to full strength.

With Sam Darnold likely out, and the offense struggling generally, the key to victory will be favorable field position and creating more chances through turnovers. The best way to help P.J. Walker is to take the pressure of his shoulders and make points a premium for New England.

P.J. Walker

Speaking of the Panthers backup quarterback, it seems very likely that he’ll get the start on Sunday with Sam Darnold missing basically all of practice and still having to clear concussion protocol. It will be interesting to see what P.J. can do having been the intended starter with a full week of practice as opposed to coming in cold late in a game. What do I want to see this week? Correct decisions, good care of the football, do the basics well. The Panthers will probably lean again on the run game to try and open things up a bit for him, and they found success there last week albeit against an inferior defensive line. The Panthers are capable of beating a lot of teams with their defense, so just make sure not to give up any easy ones.

Robby Anderson

It has been a highly disappointing year for Robby Anderson following a redemptive display in 2020 that got him paid nicely. Dropped balls have been the crucial factor, not that the deliveries have been pretty, but should certainly be catchable for a receiver of his caliber. This week he’ll likely be running routes for a backup quarterback, and the Panthers were able to put together a win without a major contribution from him last week. The pressure is somewhat off his shoulders, but that is the best time to prove he’s capable. The Patriots always commit to taking away your best option, and that is either going to be D.J. Moore or Christian McCaffrey. There should be room for Anderson to show “where that bear is” and make an impact.