Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers Keys to Victory in Week 3

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Taking a look at the Carolina Panthers matchup with the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3, what must the Panthers do in order to win?

In week two the Carolina Panthers took care of the San Francisco 49ers at home in a 46-27 victory.

The Panthers moved the ball at will after a bad first series and never looked back. Being honest, without the turnovers the Panthers could of score over 50 easily. Now attention will be shifted toward the Minnesota Vikings who come to Charlotte, NC after defeating the Green Bay Packers 14-17. The Vikings will more than likely be without Adrian Peterson who has had a rough start to the season and fell victim to an injury in their game against the Packers. Even without Peterson the Vikings are 2-0 and come into Week 3 leading their division.

The Vikings have a formidable defense that held the Packers to 14 points and the Tennessee Titans to 16 points. They boast a great defensive front and a very good defensive backfield which can shut down receivers. On offense the Vikings have Sam Bradford at quarterback and he is more than capable of having a big game. Stefon Diggs is having a big year so far averaging 142.5 receiving yards a game. Outside of Diggs the receiving talent drops off a bit though.

Let’s take a look at a few things the Panthers must do in order to come away with a victory in Week 3 against the Vikings:

Nov 22, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive ends Ryan Delaire (91) and Kony Ealy (94) and Mario Addison (97) on the bench in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Redskins 44-16 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Pass Rush Must Get To Sam Bradford

Last week the Panthers struggled to get pressure on Blaine Gabbert but the 49ers quarterback is no Sam Bradford in terms of his ability to throw passes. If the Panthers let Bradford sit in the pocket too long he will connect with a receiver and that could happen all day with the current state of the Panthers pass rush.

My number one worry for the Panthers so far this season is the pass rush. In both Week 1 and Week 2 the Panthers only totaled four sacks. That is just not going to get it done. Kony Ealy so far has been disappointing and he must step up along with Charles Johnson. A trade may be needed at some point this season for better pass rushing if this keeps up. This key to the game is the most important to have a pass rush if the Panthers want to win.

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) scores a touchdown as wide receiver Devin Funchess (17) reacts and San Francisco 49ers strong safeties Antoine Bethea (41) and Jaquiski Tartt (29) defend in the third quarter. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Newton Needs To Spread The Love & Cut Out the Turnovers

In Week 2 the Panthers did exactly what I said they needed to do in order to win games again. Greg Olsen and Kelvin Benjamin had 230 yards receiving and three touchdowns together. However, unlike the Week 1 game, Ted Ginn Jr. had 51 yards receiving. Devin Funchess also had 19 yards and more importantly a touchdown. Fozzy Whittaker also added 31 yards receiving and served as a relief to the pressure the 49ers sent occasionally. Things just need to stay the same on offense in order to win in Week 3.

The Panthers had four turnovers in Week 2 but still managed to score 46 points. Imagine if the turnovers did not exist. In Week 3 if the Panthers turn the ball over 4 times they are unlikely to put up anywhere near the same amount of points they did in Week 2. The Vikings are too good of a team to turn the ball over as much as they did and still win the game. All the Panthers need to do is cut down on the turnovers and they will be fine.

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after a touchdown in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction for Week 3 Against the Vikings

The Panthers will be tested in this game and you can expect to see the Vikings at their best after their big win on Sunday night. However, the Panthers will bring enough pressure on Sam Bradford to disrupt the passing game for the Vikings. The Vikings will struggle to move the ball against the Panthers defense in the run game, especially minus Peterson and Cam Newton will have another dominating performance but this time with his feet as well.

Expect to see another four touchdown game from Newton with one of the touchdowns coming on the ground. Kelvin Benjamin will have another big game and the Panthers will cut down on the turnovers and limit the Vikings ability to score easy points off turnovers. The Panthers will win 27-17.