What Needs to Happen for the Panthers to Pull Off a Stunner in Miami

Can Carolina do the unthinkable this Sunday?

If you polled a panel of 100 NFL analysts, I'd be willing to bet all 100 would side with the Miami Dolphins in Sunday's matchup with the 0-5 Carolina Panthers.

That's how one-sided this game appears on paper. Pretty much every sportsbook out there has the Dolphins as two-touchdown favorites and rightfully so. It's the most explosive offense in the NFL going up against one of the most stagnant in Carolina's.

But let's get crazy for a second, shall we?

Let's say the Panthers pull off the unthinkable and get their first win of the season this Sunday. How does it happen?

Live in the 20s

This team stands absolutely no shot of winning if this game reaches the 30s. They don't have the offensive firepower to do it nor the consistency up front to hold up against a fierce pass rush. Third-down conversions will be a key metric to follow as the game goes on. The Panthers actually have the second-best third down defense in the NFL. The problem is, they don't get to third down nearly enough and neither does Miami's offense. If they can somehow force Miami to attempt a handful more than their average of 9.2 third down attempts per game, you like your chances. Conversely, staying on the field and hitting on 45% or more third downs for the offense will go a long way.

Quick game success

Miami ranks fifth in sacks per game (3.4), so to beat the pressure Bryce Young has to get the ball out quickly. This shouldn't be much of an adjustment since the Panthers' passing game has lacked verticality all season long. What has to take place Sunday though is guys making plays in space and creating yards after the catch. Blocking on the perimeter also has to improve for some of those quick screens, slants, and passes out in the flat to pop free.

Shut the top off

Ejiro Evero has worked with Dolphins DC Vic Fangio in the past, so he knows the importance of keeping plays in front of you and forcing teams to methodically work their way down the field. In a game where you face so much speed, Carolina has to enter this game with the approach of not getting beat over the top. If Miami wants to play pitch and catch all the way down the field, let them. But if you do let them, you have to make tackles in the open field.

A little luck

Okay, maybe A LOT of luck. Miami could be overlooking Carolina and I don't think many would blame them if they do. This could be a potential flat spot for Miami, so the Panthers have to make plays early to apply a little pressure on the Dolphins. If a couple of bounces go Carolina's way in addition to Tua having an off afternoon, it could make things interesting.

Score Predictions for Panthers at Dolphins

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