Game Preview
The winless Lions (0-9) come into Charlotte to face a Panthers team that has yet to lose at home this season. Detroit suffered another painful loss last week at home to Jacksonville, 38-14.
Desperate to make something of the season, the Lions have enlisted the help of veteran quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who came out of retirement a couple of weeks ago. Culpepper got off to a less-than-stellar start last Sunday, completing 5-of-10 passes for 104 yards and an interception while being sacked twice.
Culpepper’s arm and experience will no doubt prove to be an asset for the Lions as they continue to search for a way to get star wideout Calvin Johnson the ball on a regular basis. Johnson is by far the Lions' most dangerous offensive threat; and without significant production from him, the offense is merely stagnant.
The Panthers (7-2) are returning home after a disastrous effort in Oakland last week, a game that was somehow won by the defense. Quarterback Jake Delhomme, an outsider in MVP conversations just a week ago, threw four interceptions on his way to completing only 7-of-27 passing attempts for 72 yards and a touchdown that came on the opening drive.
Running back DeAngelo Williams was the offensive stud for Carolina last Sunday, rushing for 140 yards—69 of them coming on a touchdown scamper late in the second quarter.
The Panthers' defense was the real story of the game, holding the Raiders' offense out of the end zone for the second consecutive week and recording five sacks to go along with two interceptions.
Culpepper will play his first regular-season game in Bank of America Stadium since 2005 with the Minnesota Vikings in a game during which he tore a knee ligament and effectively ended his prosperous career with Minnesota. With the Lions' offensive line struggling against speedy rushers so far this year, Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers could have a field day with Culpepper.
Peppers recorded three sacks last week and has been playing at his Pro-Bowl form the last few weeks. Another key matchup to watch will be the Lions' defense against the Panthers' prolific rushing attack. It’s no secret that the Panthers are a run-first, pass-second offense, and that game plan will not change this week.
Carolina Will Win If…
They can establish the run.
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about 1 month ago
Austin,
Great job! Thanks for participating.
from about 1 month ago
anytime man, thanks for the consideration!
about 1 month ago
I agree. Delhomme will bounce back this game. The Panthers are very tough at home in 2008. Panthers 30, Lions 13.
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