The Carolina Panthers are hot in pursuit of the NFC South division title and the prize of hosting a home playoff game thanks to their throttling of the upstart Detroit Lions on Saturday, 37-23.
Because the two teams play each other next week in Tampa Bay, both teams will be in control of their own destiny. And if the Buccaneers look anything like they did against the Cincinnati Bengals last week – Tampa Bay blew a 17-point lead and committed turnovers on four consecutive drives – they won't have the easiest time in Arizona, even if Trace McSorley is the opposing starting quarterback.
The Panthers' success is tied to their rushing attack. After McCaffrey's departure, D'Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard have developed into a formidable 1-2 punch – that much was abundantly clear against the Lions. Foreman rushed 21 times for 165 yards and a touchdown, while Hubbard went for 125 yards on 12 carries . “Our guys did a great job with coming off the ball, getting to the second level, which was the key for us," Wilks said.
Since Carolina relies heavily on the run, an early lead is a godsend for this team. When the Panthers fell behind against Pittsburgh last week, they could not climb back and the Steelers gave them a taste of their medicine with long possessions. The Panthers stayed afloat between P.J. Walker and Baker Mayfield long enough for Darnold to take command. In his four games behind center, the Panthers are 3-1. Darnold hasn't been special, but he had his best game of the season against the Lions, going 15-for-22 for 250 yards and two touchdowns .
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