How the Carolina Panthers can slow down JJ Watt

Texans have 10 first-round picks on roster….

While the big storyline in Houston this week has been at quarterback, headlines in Charlotte have centered on the Texans’ defense – specifically on defensive end J.J. Watt.

Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans and remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol.

-Panthers RT Mike Remmers, who played in just seven games since 2013, vs. Texans DE J.J. Watt, who is the only National Football League player in history to pile up more than 20 sacks in multiple seasons.

I expect this game to be an absolute slugfest.

“Those guys get the ball out very well”, Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins said.

The Panthers didn’t lose as much talent as, say, the Cowboys with Dez Bryant out due to a broken foot, but the talent in Carolina behind the top receiver is also well below that of whatever bar may be set by players like Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley. Panthers’ leading tackler LB Luke Kuechly suffered concussion vs. Jaguars, leaving status unclear for Sunday.

“I’m learning it quicker than I thought it would”, Norwood said. “The linebackers are good, defensive line is good, safeties, so it’s all about us putting in the work we need to put in this week to be better than we were last week”. “How do we feel?”

BY THE NUMBERS: 48 – Total of points the Panthers allowed in the fourth quarter of their past 11 regular-season games. “He can field the punt wherever he wants and it’s a big challenge for us”. The Chiefs averaged 16 yards per return last week and that must stop on the spot.

“It’s not like you got Tom Brady on one side and another quarterback somewhere else”. Stewart was held out of practice earlier in the week, but it was not an issue with his knee and head coach Ron Rivera said that he would be fine for Week 2.

Hoyer, who came over as a free agent from Cleveland, won the starting job in preseason in an open battle against Mallett. “Obviously, he is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, MVP, All-Pro”.

– Know that Cam Newton is a running threat on every snap and then when he runs it, make him pay for it. Not advocating cheap or dirty hits, but physical/gang tackles to wear him down as the game goes on.