News » The Carolina Panthers defense was better Sunday.

That’s not saying much James Color Rush Bradberry Jersey , but at least they forced more than zero punts like they did during meaningful game time against the Steelers. In fact, they forced six Lions punts. In a vacuum, there might be some reason for optimism after the defense held their opposition to 20 points and 309 yards of total offense, even in a loss. But we’re not in a vacuum. The Lions entered Sunday’s game playing some of the worst football in the NFL. Quarterback Matthew Stafford had been sacked 16 times in the previous two games. A pair of garbage time touchdowns was the only thing that saved the Lions from three straight weeks scoring in the teens. Then the Panthers visited Detroit and let Stafford stay nice and clean. The defense only sacked the 30 year old one time and failed to generate much pressure otherwise. Part of that was good game planning by Detroit. They ran plays to get the ball out of the quarterbacks hands quickly, and the Panthers generally don’t do much to stop that. Also of concern was the inability of the Panthers to contain Kerryon Johnson. The rookie gashed the Panthers to the tune of 87 yards and a touchdown on just 15 carries. That’s a bad omen considering the type of offense the Seahawks run, which brings us to our keys. Contain the running game. I rarely find this to be a point of emphasis when previewing games, but this week is an exception. The Panthers are coming off an uncharacteristically bad performance stopping the run, and now they have to take on the league’s most run dominant team. The Seahawks run the ball 51% of the time, by far the most in the league. That includes a 62% run rate on first downs. Their trio of backs Chris Carson Ian Thomas Jersey , Mike Davis, and Rashaad Penny are all averaging at least 4.5 yards per carry, and all three will get a chance to prove they’re the hot hand in a given week. Russell Wilson can run too when he feels like it, but that hasn’t been often this year.Don’t get abused by Tyler Lockett. Lockett has developed into one of the game’s most dangerous wide receivers, even if his stats don’t jump off the page. He’s caught 78% of his passes, second only to Michael Thomas among wide receivers. He’s caught eight passes this year that traveled more than 30 yards in the air. Despite is 5’10” 182 pound frame, he’s a monster attacking the ball in the air. Donte Jackson will likely be tasked to cover Lockett a lot assuming he’s healthy, and he’s going to have his hands full. Please please please generate some sort of pass rush. Russell Wilson has been sacked 32 times this season. Only Eli Manning, Dak Prescott Curtis Samuel Color Rush Jersey , and DeShaun Watson have been sacked more often. Russell Wilson will hold onto the ball and aimlessly run around in the backfield for ages. Someone in the front seven needs to get him on the ground. The Panthers will be back in the friendly confines of Bank of America stadium, and the hope is that the return home will get the team back on track. A loss to the Seahawks will put the two teams in a tie with the Seahawks holding the tie breaker. This is a must win game for the Panthers, and the defense needs to play like it. Matchup of the Week: Donte Jackson vs. Tyler LocketteThe Panthers defense simply cannot seem to stop big plays in 2018, despite arguably having the most talented starting group of cornerbacks to take the field for them in a long time. Donte Jackson has quietly shined for this defense, nabbing four interceptions and generally showing he can step up against starting wide receivers in the NFL. However, he faces a tough test against of of the best speed threats in the league today. With James Bradberry likely to draw Doug Baldwin (if he plays) Sunday, Jackson should see his share of Lockette. Lockette currently has 7 touchdowns, and has finally seemed to step into the role he was drafted for. I expect the team to play a little more man this week after teams have shredded their zone defense, and hopefully take some pressure off an underproductive starting line.Dontari Poe vs. Justin BrittPoe seems to be one of the bigger issues for the defensive line Daeshon Hall Jersey , as they’ve struggled to stop the run in recent weeks. This week, they face a team that WILL commit to running the football, and they could easily pop off 150 yards rushing if this defense can’t figure itself out. Teams are attacking the linebackers when they run the ball, and the defensive line hasn’t been able to clean up for it. That starts up front. If Poe can finally make an impact and control the line of scrimmage, the defensive line could see a bounceback game they desperately need.D.J. Moore vs. Shaquill GriffinMoore had a breakout Sunday against the Lions, catching 7 receptions for 157 yards and the clutch touchdown that put the Panthers in position to win. Between his production over the last several weeks, Torrey Smith returning from a knee injury, and Devin Funchess’ status in doubt, he should see a healthy share of snaps on Sunday. Shaquill Griffin figures to be the one seeing him the most Trai Turner Color Rush Jersey , and the Panthers will need his explosive talent to score points and move the chains. I personally hope to see both Moore and Curtis Samuel take the field at the same time as often as possible, but Moore being a major factor is basically a sure thing. Moore is playing up to his first round pedigree, and should draw the Seahawks best corner often.Chris Clark vs. Frank Clark/Quinton JeffersonWhile the Panthers offensive line has been a pleasant surprise this season, Chris Clark easily takes the field as the weak link, and team’s have figured that out. I’m not here saying I expect Clark to suddenly be better, but I know the Panthers need to do something to help him. These Seahawks edge rushers will eat him alive as this Seattle coaching staff knows exactly how to get after Cam Newton. Clark cannot be a weak link for this offense to score points, as they will surely need to.Who are you watching, Panthers fans?