The Carolina Panthers defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-9 in Week 1 and would like nothing more than to improve to 2-0 with a win over the Houston Texans. Here are three reasons why the Panthers will defeat the Texans in Week 2.
Poor Texans Offense
The Texans Offense struggled against the Kansas City Chiefs. The offense improved when Ryan Mallett entered the game, but the contest was already over. Bill O'Brien hoped to keep his starting a QB a secret until the start of the game, but that was ruined. Mallett will be the starter, but the Texans don't have many weapons. DeAndre Hopkins is a stud, but he doesn't have much help from the other receivers or tight ends. Arian Foster won't be playing, and Alfred Blue/Jonathan Grimes aren't enough to replace him. The Panthers can focus on shutting down Hopkins and not worry too much about the rest of the offense.
Better Defense
J.J. Watt is incredible and all, but he's only one man. As good as he is, the Chiefs still put up 27 on the Texans. Even if Luke Kuechly can't play, the Panthers defense is still better than the Texans'. Josh Norman looks like an elite corner, and could shut down Hopkins by himself. The Panthers have had a top 10 defense the past three seasons and it looks like they'll make it four years after this season.
Cam Newton
Newton is vastly better than Mallett, and that's going to be a big difference in the game. Newton wasn't perfect against the Jaguars, but he's good enough to win games on his off days. His offensive line isn't great, but Newton has the size, strength and speed to make guys miss in the pocket and scramble. With Newton at QB, the Panthers will defeat the Texans and improve to 2-0.
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