Either the Miami Dolphins are going deep into the AFC playoffs or all the talk of a Panthers Super Bowl is way overblown. When the two first units hooked up last night, the Fish looked far superior. Here’s the Cats’ trouble spots:
Offensive Line: Only steady Jordan Gross had a decent outing. Guard Evan Mathis and tackle Travelle Wharton both continue to appear overmatched at their positions, Wharton especially so. The Panthers keep saying Wharton has all the tools to be a fine NFL tackle, but watch the roster moves in the coming weeks to see if that is really true. Throwing another veteran tackle into the mix would not be a great surprise. As it stands right now, the Panthers cannot run the ball with this OL group.
Linebacker: Want to pick up a quick 8 to 15 yards on the Cats? Throw to your TE. The Panthers cannot cover them. Their deep safety scheme typically demands that the LBs cover the TEs and they are not getting it done. Toss in the injury to starter Na’il Diggs and this unit needs to gel fast. The good news is it is the deepest position on the roster. Without a fix however, expect a flashback to two seasons ago when the Panthers absolutely could not get off the field on third down.
