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Carolina Panthers: Preview of Carolina vs. Seattle

By Horran Cameron

Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) shake hands after a NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Seahawks 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) shake hands after a NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Seahawks 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Carolina Panthers face off with a familiar foe of the last few years, the Seattle Seahawks, in a must win game.

Last season, the Carolina Panthers would have been the favorite to win this game. This season, they are projected to lose by many people.

The Carolina Panthers (4-7) will face the Seattle Seahawks (7-3-1) at 8:30pm for the Sunday Night Game of the Week on NBC.

The Panthers are out of the playoff race, unless many miracles take place. They have to win the rest of their regular season games. In addition, the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons have to lose most of their games left.

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These scenarios are highly unlikely to happen. This game between the Panthers and Seahawks is all about respect for the Panthers. The Seahawks are poised to have a postseason schedule.

Carolina has to shut down Russell Wilson. That’s it. The running game for the Seahawks does not exist. Once Marshawn Lynch retired, so did the toughness on offense. Carolina’s defense should focus more on the passing game and Wilson’s ability to be a dual threat.

carolina panthers
Dec 14, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) with the ball as tight end Greg Olsen (88) looks on and Tampa Bay Buccaneers strong safety Bradley McDougald (30) and cornerback Alterraun Verner (21) defend in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

On offense, Cam Newton has to regain his form from last season. As the reigning MVP, Newton took over every game and was relentless. He dominated games with his passing and running. This season, he has been apprehensive with this approach; probably due to the concussion he sustained earlier this season and teams targeting him.

Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen are the primary receivers for Newton. Jonathan Stewart is the workhorse in the backfield. Together, they must have high time of possession than Seattle. Tire out Seattle’s defense and give their offense a small amount of time to score. This strategy will net a victory for the Panthers.

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Unfortunately, the Panthers’ defense does not intimidate opponents like last season. Despite their string of bad luck, they are capable of showing up when it counts.

Although there is little hope for the playoffs, there is still hope. The Panthers should ride this wave until they cannot anymore this season. Expect a close game on Sunday night between these two teams.

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