The Carolina Panthers will be back on the prime-time stage this Sunday night, when they host the Detroit Lions at Bank of America Stadium. But for them to defy the odds and come out on top, the reigning NFC South champs will have to gain an edge in a number of key matchups.
Here are four battles to keep an eye on here in Week 4 . . .
Panthers HC Dave Canales vs. Lions HC Dan Campbell
With former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson out of the picture in Detroit, the Lions aren't as tough to prepare for schematically as they used to be. However, they still have what may be the best motivational coach in the business in Campbell, who's turned the NFL's longest-suffering franchise into a perennial contender by sheer willpower.
That makes this a really tough matchup for Canales, who's been credited with
improving Carolina's culture in the locker room. Now is the time to prove that take is correct. To have any hope at all, Canales has to make the Panthers believe they can beat the Lions—even if they're missing several of their most important players.
Panthers OL vs. Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson
Any upset scenario will require one big change for Carolina—their offensive line has to perform far better than it has so far this season. Going into Week 4, they have allowed the highest pressure rate in the league—and now, they'll face one of the best pass rushers in the league.
Hutchinson will move all around the line of scrimmage—but wherever he's aligned, it's going to take multiple linemen to stop him. If they can't do that, quarterback Bryce Young, as he did in Week 3, is going to have a very long outing.
Panthers CB Will Lee III vs. Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
On the other side of the ball, the Panthers have some brutal one-on-one matchups—especially at cornerback. Starters Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, who are both on injured reserve, will not be at Carolina's disposal.
So, Lee may often be lined up across from Detroit's stud wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has posted 228 yards and five touchdowns in just three games. The good news is that Lee has acquitted himself well, totaling four passes defensed while allowing a 52.6-percent completion rate and a 77.7 passer rating in coverage.
This matchup is a horse of an entirely different color than what he's faced, though.
Panthers LB Devin Lloyd vs. Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs
You could definitely feel Lloyd's absence on the field in last week's loss to the Cleveland Browns. Fortunately, he'll be back in the lineup this week and not a moment too soon.
As their defensive centerpiece and play-caller, Lloyd has to get this unit on better footing against the run—where they're allowing a league-high 193.3 rushing yards per game. Gibbs has racked up 307 rushing yards and 23 first downs to go with six touchdowns from scrimmage—both NFL-bests.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Key matchups for Panthers vs. Lions in Week 4
