by Sharon Thorsland
It’s a huge test for the Panthers on Sunday as they welcome the defending Super Bowl champs to Bank of America stadium. The Chiefs boast one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. They’re 9-1 on the year after suffering their first loss of the season to the Bills, and are favored to once again compete for a championship. The Panthers are coming off a bye after back-to-back wins that improved them to 3-7 on the year and they’re ready for the challenge. “Every Sunday’s a job to do, no matter who the opponent is,” said cornerback Jaycee Horn. “The job is to go out there and execute and win.”
That’s easier said than done against a Chiefs team that features Mahomes and a slew of offensive weapons. Veteran receiver Deandre Hopkins teams with Xavier Worthy and Juju Smith-Schuster, and of course there’s All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce, who leads the team with 62 catches for 504 yards and two touchdowns. The Chiefs could also get another weapon back this week in star running back Isaiah Pacheco, who has been out since breaking his leg in week two. They’ve already got Kareem Hunt, who has picked up 509 yards and five touchdowns in seven games. “Hard runner, another guy who can tote the rock pretty well,” said Panther linebacker Josey Jewell. “I’ve seen him a couple times, and them. It’s always good competition; it’s always fun to go against their offense.”
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Going against this Chiefs defense might not be as fun. They rank fifth in the NFL allowing just 297 yards per game and just 85 rushing yards a contest, that’s third in the league. Pro bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones is a game wrecker, he’s got three sacks on the season. Linebackers Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill are first and second on the team in tackles. The Chiefs’ secondary features All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and second year nickel back Chamarri Conner, who leads the team with two interceptions.
The Chiefs are no doubt a little salty after suffering their first loss of the season last week. But the Panthers are playing with a lot of confidence right now, especially quarterback Bryce Young. And they’re all ready for the challenge as they look to make it three straight wins. “We just got to be ready,” said Jewell. “You understand what their offense is capable of, their defense has been playing really well lately so you got to be ready for everything. It will be a fun game.