The 2017 NFL Season continues to be underway. The Buffalo Bills will continue their quest to end the playoff drought as they head down South to face the Carolina Panthers.
Occasion:Week 2- 2017 NFL Season – Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers
Where: Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, North Carolina
Time: 1:00 PM
TV: CBS
The Bills and Panthers will square up for the first time since 2013.
It will be the first of 8 road games for the Bills this season.
The Homecoming
There are many bizarre connections between the Panthers and Bills.
The biggest one is Head CoachSean McDermott. McDermott spent six seasons as the defensive coordinator of the Panthers.
That includes the team’s 2015 NFC Championship.
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He will coach against the Panthers for the first time since his departure.
Another major connection is new GM Brandon Beane. Beane is the former Assistant GM to old Panther GM Dave Gettleman.
Beane was with the Panthers’ organization from 2008-2016.
The new BIlls GM gets to see how his team squares up against his old one as well.
Mike Tolbertalso will play his former team, also a member of the 2015 Super Bowl team, Tolbert seeks revenge against the team that let him go this offseason.
There will be a big chip on all three of these men’s shoulders, as well as a few others, as they come “home” to try to take down their former employer.
Shady
Getting his own section again,LeSean McCoylooks to continue to get national attention. After another 100 yard rushing game against the Jets last week, Shady looks to keep the momentum rolling.
The Panthers front seven is arguably the best in the league, but I fully expect Shady to be Shady and give the Panthers quite the challenge.
Will the new faces continue to shine?
Earlier this week,I mentionedhow well all the new Buffalo Bills players played.
In Carolina, it will be the main focus of my attention.
WillJordan Poyercontinue to make eye-opening plays?
Will Micha Hyde be a ball hawk again?
Is Tre’Davious White, a rookie, going to continue to look like a 10 year veteran?
IsMike TolbertandAndre Holmesfinding the end zone again?
All of these things could very well happen. Keep an eye out on all the new faces.
We will get a second glimpse of them as a unit. They look to prove the win vs the Jets was not a fluke.
The Defense
The Panthers’ defense will keep them in this game. I hope defensive coordinatorLeslie Frazierhas his defense just as prepared.
The defense is the key in this game. The offense will likely be stagnant and unable to produce a ton of points.
CaptainsKyle Williams,Lorenzo Alexander, and crew will have to make big plays, force turnovers, and set the offense up with good field position in order to keep this game close.
The Carolina Panthers
Much like the Bills, the Panthers played a very weak opponent in week One as they decimated the 49ers.
They should be fresh and ready to go.
Cam Newtoncontinues to recover from a shoulder surgery. He rested almost all Pre-Season and began last week looking incredibly rusty.
Like I mentioned, the defense is the real thing to focus on when it comes to the Panthers.
Bona fide stars likeLuke Kuechlyand solid veteran leaders likeJulius Peppers,Thomas Davis, and a whole lot of in between-ers, makes up this defensive foundation.
The Panthers will be ready to defend their turf in what is their home opener.
Notes
Tyrod Taylorhas very little experience playing against the Panthers. He has not faced them as the starting Bills quarterback yet.
The last meeting between these teams resulted in a 24-23 victory for Buffalo up in New York.
The Bills lead the All-Time series 5-1. The last Panthers win came in 2005, a year the Bills went 5-11.
This will beSean McDermott‘s first career road game as a coach.
Buffalo fans travel to the Carolina’s very well so do not be surprised to have a crowd that is slightly divided.
Next: Bills drought series: Best moments
One Bold Prediction
Tyrod Taylor will have a rushing touchdown.
For Sure
Sean McDermott will be a central focus of this game as he returns to Carolina.
Final Thoughts
Follow me on twitter (@johncarroll55) for live tweets during the game.!
Next week, the Buffalo Bills return to New Era field to host the Broncos!
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