Houston Texans At Carolina Panthers: Week 2: What To Look For

Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back

(28) and tackle

(76) on the ground after a play during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at NRG Stadium. The Chiefs defeated the Texans 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

RUNNING BACK:  The committee of Alfred Blue, Chris Polk and Jonathan Grimes will try to penetrate a Panthers’ defensive line that only yielded 96 yards last week against the Jags.  But the Texans were just as stingy, giving up a paltry 97 yards against he talented Chiefs talented backs.  We will see some hand-offs by Mallett but I think he’s going to sling it more to get the huge gains and use our backs for the short gains that we need for a first down.

The Panthers will likely be without linebackers Luke Kuechly and Star Lotulelei putting them at a great disadvantage against our running game.

Watch closely to see if the Texans’ decide to test the line by running these guys up the middle — where Kuechly and Lotuelei are situated — to keep those chains moving.  The Panthers still have long-time team member and vet Jonathan Stewart in the backfield as well as Newton’s legs to get those yards on the ground.

Stewart had 56 yards off 18 carries and Newton had 35 yards off 14 carries.  If our defensive line can stop them, that will force them to throw and that may not be good against talented pass rushers in J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney.  Blue was the leading rusher last week with 42 yards off nine carries against the Chiefs.

Next: CLICK HERE for the Wide Receivers