Panthers scouting report: Will Grier set to make debut vs. struggling Colts
The Carolina Panthers head to Indianapolis to try and end their six-game losing streak against the Colts, who have lost four straight. All eyes will be on rookie quarterback Will Grier as he makes his first career start. Can he lead the Panthers to a win?
WHEN THE PANTHERS PASS THE BALL …
There’s a lot of unknown. Grier hasn’t seen game action since the preseason, but he was known in college for throwing the ball downfield. Scott Turner will likely dial up a couple of shots for him. Tight end Greg Olsen will be back in action after he missed two games due to a concussion and he will be a huge help to Grier. The Panthers should focus on getting the ball to McCaffrey early and often out of the backfield to give the rookie quarterback as much help as possible.
The Colts have allowed opposing passers to complete 70.9 percent of attempts and have given up 249.8 passing yards per game (21st). They also have just 33 sacks (21st) on the year. Teams have had success passing on this defense.
Grier will have an opportunity, but It’s tough to give an advantage here because of all the unknown surrounding the rookie. We’ll give it to the Colts because of his lack of experience.
Advantage: Colts
WHEN THE PANTHERS RUN THE BALL …
They might get into a bit of trouble. While Carolina does have the league’s scrimmage yards leader in McCaffrey (151.5 per game), the Colts run defense allows 100.9 rushing yards per game (ninth) and has given up just eight rushing touchdowns (tied for fourth-fewest).
Indianapolis will know that Carolina wants to run the ball to give Grier as much breathing room as possible, which also might hinder its attack. Despite the Panthers’ offensive line woes, McCaffrey is coming off of one of his best rushing games in a while. Against the Seahawks, he ran for 87 yards and two touchdowns. He has averaged over 4.6 yards per carry in each of the last two games after a little bit of a rough stretch.
While Indianapolis has a good run defense and it will know that running the ball is in the Panthers’ offensive game plan, McCaffrey has just been too impressive this year all-around. He wins this one all on his own.
Advantage: Panthers
WHEN THE COLTS PASS THE BALL …
The key will be whether or not the Panthers can create some pressure. The Colts have allowed 26 sacks, tied for eighth-fewest in the NFL, but the Panthers are tied for the most sacks with 49 (Steelers).
After a strong start overall, accuracy has been an issue for quarterback Jacoby Brissett. In each of the last two games he has completed just over 52 percent of his passes. After throwing 14 touchdown passes over the first half of the season, he has thrown just four since Week 8.
The Colts passing attack has clearly cooled, which may give the Panthers an opportunity to get that pressure, however, Carolina has struggled to take advantage of its pass rush lately. They have just two interceptions in the last six games. Despite Brissett’s recent woes, the Panthers’ lack of takeaways and porous pass defense, they have given up 300-plus passing yards in four of the last seven games, lose them the edge.
Advantage: Colts
WHEN THE COLTS RUN THE BALL …
They’ll have a huge opportunity to resurrect their rushing attack. The Colts have not gone over 100 yards in any of their last three games, but they have shown an ability to put up some big numbers on the ground this season, led by Marlon Mack. Five times this year the Colts have rushed for 150-plus yards and there’s no reason to believe they won’t be able to do that against the Panthers.
Carolina allows 140.2 rushing yards per game (30th), 5.2 yards per carry (32nd) and has given up 26 rushing touchdowns (32nd). Anyone and everyone has been able to run against this defense. The Colts will do the same.
Advantage: Colts
SPECIAL TEAMS
It’s time for Joey Slye to get his credit. The rookie, in limited opportunities, has not missed a field goal since his disastrous performance in New Orleans in Week 12. On the season, he has made 75.9 percent of his field goals and 30-of-34 PATs.
The Colts have had a rough season in the kicking game with Adam Vinatieri going on IR earlier this month. Chase McLaughlin is now the Colts kicker after they claimed him off waivers from the 49ers. In his two games in Indianapolis, he has missed one field goal.
Despite Carolina’s lack of consistency in the return game, we’ll give Slye and the Panthers the edge.
Advantage: Panthers
COACHING
The advantage here has to go to Frank Reich. The former Carolina Panthers quarterback had the Colts in playoff contention until last week and kept this team together despite Andrew Luck retiring just before the season began. Despite the team’s record, Reich has done an impressive job this year.
Perry Fewell, while in a bad situation, has yet to win a game as Panthers interim coach. Offensive coordinator Scott Turner is also just getting comfortable in his new role after calling the first two games of his career.
Advantage: Colts
PREDICTION
This game is a matchup between two teams out of playoff contention with losing records. Really anything could happen. But Grier is being put in a very tough spot and the Panthers have not been able to pull out wins in close games. Behind Carolina’s offensive line, Grier will likely be pressured often and turn the ball over multiple times. The Panthers’ defense has had slow starts during the losing streak, allowing far too many teams to establish early leads. The lack of defensive consistency combined with Grier’s inexperience will be too much to overcome.
Colts 27, Panthers 20
