This is a review of the Carolina Panthers 30-3 loss to the Tennessee Titans on November 13^th 2011. Cam Newton came into the Titans game with a injured shoulder that he had had a MRI on. To my knowledge Brett Jensen of WFNZ broke the story about the MRI which was negative.

But Cam Newton’s injured shoulder was not why the Carolina Panthers lost to the Tennessee Titans. Apathy was the reason the Panthers lost to the Titans today. To me the Panthers looked largely disinterested in the game and played very sloppy football. This looked very much like the 2010 Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers offense looked shaky even though Cam Newton only threw one interception. Against the Titans Cam Newton completed 23 of 42 passes for 212 yards and rushed for 55 yards. Tight end Greg Olsen had his worst game as a Panther with one fumble and at least one drop of an easy pass. Cam Newton looked more frustrated than I have seen him. I feel that once the game’s outcome was clear then Newton should have been benched to prevent possible injury, but he played the whole game.

Matt Hasselbeck completed 15 of 27 passes for 219 yards with one touchdown pass and one interception. Chris Johnson looked like his old self as the Panthers run defense took a step back. Johnson rushed 27 times for 130 yards and a score. Johnson added four receptions for 44 yards as well. The Titans seemed to break the Panthers will with a long punt return for a touchdown early in the first quarter.

Playing catch up the Panthers never did get a running game going as Stewart and Williams got a combined 12 attempts for 58 yards. Cam Newton ran seven times for 55 yards including a career long of 26 yards.

The Carolina Panthers defense looked very flat despite a good game by James Anderson who played with an injured ankle. The Carolina Panthers defense and special teams must step up in games where the offense isn’t playing well. Until that happens the Panthers will be blown out occasionally like they were against the Titans.

As you could see by all the empty seats at Bank of America Stadium the fans are tired of losing and bailed out early in the blowout. The Panthers need to get their offense flowing again and start cutting and adding players until the special teams improve. The defense can’t be helped by street free agents but the special teams certainly can.

This is a preview of the Tennessee Titans (4-4) at the Carolina Panthers (2-6) to be played on Sunday November 13^th 2011. Since I cover the Carolina Panthers this preview will be slanted towards that team.

The 4-4 Tennessee Titans come into Bank of American Stadium a little banged up. Matt Hasselbeck has an injured knee which limited him in practice this week. Nate Washington, Ahmad Hall, Jared Cook, David Ball and Barrett Rudd all missed practice time this week with various injuries.

Hasselbeck has been having a decent year despite the loss of Kenny Britt and the lackluster play of Chris Johnson. Despite Johnson getting a big contract he has not played well and the Titans use Javon Ringer more and more at running back.

The Carolina Panthers are coming off a bye week and were fairly healthy until Thursday when Linebacker James Anderson injured his ankle in practice. It is unclear whether James Anderson will be able to play in the Titans game.

The key to the Carolina Panthers defeating the Tennessee Titans is stopping turnovers and penalties on offense. Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers offense can score on anyone if they don’t shoot themselves in the foot. Look for Steve Smith to have a big game to continue the monster season that he is having. The Titans pass rush isn’t the best and this will give Smith time to get open.

I would like to see the Panthers get a lead and keep it. The Panthers have struggled with success often losing a lead this year. Cam Newton needs a solid win to help build up his confidence. 

The once awful Carolina Panthers run defense has been improving and I think they can keep Chris Johnson and Ringer in check. If Hasselbeck is forced to throw then the Panthers defense can get some sacks since Matt is limited his mobility with the knee.

I expect the Carolina Panthers to defeat the Tennessee Titans 27 to 21 this Sunday. The Panthers will then hopefully build off this win and get some momentum for the rest of the season. There is talk among fans of being competitive but losing to get a higher draft pick. I say to heck with that I want some Carolina Panthers wins!