The Chicago Bears are favored to beat the Carolina Panthers on the road in Week 1. However, there are plenty of things that could go wrong and lead to the team being in a position to lose. Where are the Bears at a disadvantage?
5 Advantages Carolina Panthers Have Over Chicago Bears
Tetairoa McMillan in the Slot
McMillan only aligned in the slot on 15% of the Panthers' offensive snaps last year. However, this year the plan is for the Panthers to push him into the slot more often. If Carolina is able to get their star receiver matched up on slot cornerback Cam Lewis throughout the game, it would be a huge win for the Panthers.
The Panthers' goal should be to use Xavier Legette on Jaylon Johnson as much as possible to create advantages at the other spots.
Bears Interior Defensive line vs Panthers Guards
The Bears' interior defensive line is questionable, especially after trading Gervon Dexter. Meanwhile, the Panthers interior duo of Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis is one of the better in the NFL. Luke Fortner is a bit of a question at center, but overall the Panthers should be able to get to the second level without issues.
Panthers Outside CBs
The Bears can dominate this matchup by sticking Luther Burden and Colston Loveland in the slot. However, things get tougher on the outside. Jaycee Horn is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and he can stick to whoever they have opposite of him.
Beyond that, Michael Jackson is coming off of the best year of his career. Rome Odunze does not move into the slot as much as the other two. This might not be the game for him.
Panthers Safety Depth
The Panthers can help the issues they have in the slot by playing their safety depth more often. Lathan Ransom is a quality dime option who saw the field often last season. They also drafted Zakee Wheatley in the fifth round, and he can play sub-package football.
The Bears will test teams with their versatile formations, but the Panthers have flexibility at safety.
Panthers Interior Run Defense
The Panthers' run defense is much improved. Derrick Brown is a great option, Bobby Brown has been in the mix, and the team just drafted Lee Hunter in the second round. He is a primary run defender. This will be a major test for Garrett Bradbury, who looks good mentally but has not been tested physically.
| More Bears on DaWindyCity |
Add us as a preferred source on Google