Behind their in-your-face rushing attack and a stout performance from their defense, the Carolina Panthers are coming off a Week 10 win over the Atlanta Falcons. And this Sunday, another type of bird could be on the menu.
Here are six things to know about the Week 11 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
A favorable history
If history is any indicator for this matchup, the Panthers are set up pretty well.
Of their six all-time meetings, they’ve taken the victory four times. But as far as the venue goes, their last showdown in Baltimore ended in a win (and a lot of blood and guts) for the Ravens.
Carolina, however, has dibs on the last outing. Despite being 1-2 in their past three contests against them, the Panthers came away with the dub in 2018—when quarterback Cam Newton led a 38-point outburst with three total touchdowns.
Ground and pound
The game plan for both teams going into this matchup is quite clear—as they are both built on running the rock and playing good defense. Both the Panthers and Ravens rank in the top half of the league in running attempts and efficiency.
Baltimore is a bit more efficient at running the ball, as they average 5.5 yards per carry compared to Carolina’s 4.7. But they also have the most dangerous dual-threat weapon in the league in Jackson, who contributes a large chunk of that average.
Both teams will look to get their top, bruising backs—D’Onta Foreman and Gus Edwards (if active)—going early and often.
Kicker gap
It’s no secret that Baltimore’s Justin Tucker may very well be the greatest leg in the history of the NFL. And he has continued that greatness into the 2022 season.
Tucker has hit on 18 of his 20 field goal tries so far, including a season-long make of 58 yards. He’s also five-of-seven on kicks of over 50 yards.
Panthers kicker Eddy Piñeiro has not quite played up to that same level. While he has also nailed 18 of his 20 3-pointers, he has missed a few notable ones in his last three games—including two potential game-winners in Atlanta. He currently has a season long of 54 yards, and may be called upon in a big moment to set the record straight.
Hello, old friends
A sixth-round pick in 2018, Bradley Bozeman quickly found a place within the Ravens organization—as a reliable left guard and center. But, after turning down a long-term offer before the 2021 campaign, he’d eventually move on.
Bozeman then landed in Carolina, on a somewhat surprising one-year, $2.8 million deal. Regardless, he’s proving himself to be a sturdy force once again and could prove to his old pals that he’s as effective as ever.
Baker's history with the birds
As a former Cleveland Brown, Mayfield should know the Ravens quite well. And they, on the flip side, are very well aware of him.
Mayfield wasn’t too hot over his eight career starts versus Baltimore, leading Cleveland to a 3-5 mark against their AFC North foes. But he has played decently against him at times—as his total body of work stands at a relatively impressive 13 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 83.2 passer rating.
Don't mess with Lamar's mom
During his presser on Wednesday, Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield jokingly said Felicia Jones—Lamar Jackson’s mother—was “intimidating.” She, according to Mayfield, had urged him to travel down to Florida and train with Jackson during their college days and credited Lamar’s toughness to her.
Jackson reacted to the news with a bit of surprise. But he eventually laughed it off—asking, “He is intimidated by my mama!?”
