The Buffalo Bills have a tough task ahead in week 2 as they head to Charlotte to face the Carolina Panthers.
This will be a true test of where the Bills stand so far this season. There will be many interesting match-ups within the game. Let’s take a look at the Bills passing game vs. the Panthers pass defense.
The Panthers had some troubles in the secondary last year, after losing star cornerback Josh Norman. The Panthers had two rookie corners starting, and it showed as their pass defense declined overall on the season. They did show some improvement throughout the season but never regained their 2015 form.
Cornerbacks James Bradberry and Daryl Worley are now in their second season starting for the Panthers. There is more experience at safety with Mike Adams in his 14th season and Kurt Coleman in his 8th season.
The Bills will want to test those young corners often. Tyrod Taylor targeted LeSean McCoy and Charles Clay the most in week 1. He may want to make an adjustment this week due to the Panthers all pro linebacking core. Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, and Shaq Thompson are all good coverage linebackers. They will try to take away the running backs and receivers as passing options.
This is why the Bills will need to get their receivers more involved in the game.
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Zay Jones and Jordan Matthews combined for only 3 catches against the Jets. There will need to be more production from the receivers this week. The cornerback spot may be the only weak point in the Panthers defense.
I know Tyrod Taylor is still adjusting to the new playbook, as well as new receivers, but the Pathers defense won’t allow those adjustments to come easily.
The Bills need to try and create mismatches in the passing game. Both of the Panthers cornerbacks are 6’1″, so the Bills receivers only have a slight height advantage with Zay Jones at 6’2″ and Jordan Matthews at 6’3″. All of the Panthers linebackers are over 6 feet tall as well, so the Bills may want to try and get the tight ends matched up against the Panthers safeties who are both 5’11”. Charles Clay and Nick O’Leary are both 6’3″.
The Panthers are known for their linebacker speed so it will be tough to find a mismatch in that department. Overall, it will be tough to find any weakness in the Panthers defense. Coach McDermott may be able to provide some insight after spending the last six season as the Panthers defensive coordinator.
Everyone knows the Bills offensive strength is the running game; they may be hard pressed to find holes against the Panthers front seven, so they will need to find production in the passing game to get a win in Charlotte.
The Bills will need to get the receivers involved early and test the Panthers young cornerbacks. This could also open things up for other receiving options if the receivers are having success and the Panthers have to provide help for the cornerbacks. Tyrod Taylor also needs to have the time and patience to get through his progressions.
The Panthers will be keying on Charles Clay, that may provide some opportunities for Nick O’Leary to get more involved in the passing game.
Another player to watch out for is Patrick DiMarco. DiMarco is probably the best receiving fullback in the league. He could be a safety valve out of the backfield to get some crucial first downs.
Next: Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets: Risers and Fallers
The Bills passing game vs. the Panthers pass defense will be a huge match up within the game. The Bills will need to get creative and try to find any mismatches they can to get production in the passing game if they want to get through week 2 and remain undefeated.