Bears vs. Panthers: Odds are against Nick Foles, Allen Robinson

Robinson goes up against a stingy secondary

Believe it or not, the Panthers have been downright nasty against receivers and tight ends. As a team, their secondary is giving up just 6.3 yards per reception, which is good for second in the NFL.

In total, the Panthers are sixth-best in the league against wide receivers in terms of overall production — receptions, yards, touchdowns. After losing James Bradberry to free agency this offseason, many thought the Panthers were headed for a downswing when it came to their prowess against receivers.

After all, as we saw in Week 2 versus Bradberry and the New York Giants, he played Robinson tough and even forced an interception out of the hands of number 12.

Still, Carolina has been strong against wideouts. Robinson could very well draw corner Rasul Douglas, whom was let go by the Philadelphia Eagles and is now emerging as one heck of a cornerback. Through five weeks, Douglas has 182 snaps in coverage, allowing 16 catches on 24 targets. Those catches have gone for just 8.1 yards each, on average.

Douglas has not allowed a touchdown this season, either.

Robinson, meanwhile, ranks amongst the top 10 in just about every major category. He is 5th in receptions (35), 8th in receiving yards (421), tied for 4th in 20-plus yard catches with seven, and 5th in receiving first downs with 21.

He is in for a tough test against Carolina, especially when you consider he’s had a ball taken away from him for an interception three times this season. You can’ make that up, but somehow, it’s happened.

As good as Robinson has been, he’s going to have to be better on Sunday. Robinson cannot afford to make one mis-step. This matchup is going to be a challenge.