NFL
Carolina Panthers Obliterate Baltimore Ravens At Home
Week 8 of the NFL season brought forth a high-stakes matchup as the 2018 NFL season approaches the midway point. Baltimore, currently third in the AFC North, needed a win on the road to stay afloat in the AFC North.
Carolina, currently second in the NFC South, was looking for a much-needed victory against a proven Baltimore team. The Panthers have been chasing the New Orleans Saints for the division lead all season. This matchup was previewed by TSJ earlier in the week.
First Half
The Carolina Panthers won the coin toss and deferred, giving Baltimore the first shot on offense. Quarterback Joe Flacco connected with wide receiver John Brown on the very first play of the drive. Moreover, that completion set the tone for the remainder of the Ravens’ 11-play, 75-yard scoring drive. A Panthers personal foul and an Alex Collins touchdown highlighted the drive, giving Baltimore a 7-0 lead.
After a Carolina punt, Baltimore was back on offense. Unfortunately, the drive would be hindered by an arid ball from quarterback Lamar Jackson. Baltimore elected to try a fake punt on 4th and 1. However, the call that was stymied by an illegal formation penalty.
All Panthers
Back on offense, Carolina proceeded to take advantage of a short field. The Panthers drove 54 yards in just four plays, with running back Christian McCaffrey finishing the drive off churning for an 11-yard rushing touchdown, his first of the season. Following the Carolina score, Baltimore proceeded to run only two plays as Panthers’ defensive tackle Kyle Love exploded through the line for a forced fumble.
Following the fumble recovery, Carolina started on the Baltimore 12-yard line. Panthers’ tight end Greg Olsen caught an 11-yard touchdown three plays later as the Panthers went up 14-7. On the next drive, a huge sack by Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson led to a Ravens’ punt.
Carolina was pinned on the one-yard line after a great special teams’ effort by special teams’ aficionado Cyrus Jones. However, that did little to deter the Panthers’ offense as they proceeded to go on an 11-play, 99-yard scoring drive.
The drive was highlighted by two huge runs from Panthers wide receiver D.J. Moore. McCaffrey finished the drive with a six-yard receiving touchdown. Furthermore, a Flacco interception and a field goal by Panthers’ kicker Graham Gano ended the first half, giving Carolina a 24-7 lead at the half.
2nd Half
While Carolina began the second half on offense, they got very little going to open the second half. After a Carolina punt, Baltimore started on their 35-yard line. Unfortunately, the drive would end with a turnover on downs.
After a Carolina punt, Baltimore needed to get the offense going with only eight minutes remaining in the third quarter. However, the 6-play, 28-yard drive would end in an interception.
Bombs Bursting In Air
Immediately following the interception, Graham Gano finished a 5-play, 23-yard drive with a field goal, making the score Carolina 27-7. Luckily, Baltimore responded with a 10-play, 75-yard drive to bring the game back within two scores. Yet Carolina would continue to apply pressure.
Carolina’s response came in the form of a 9-play, 85-yard scoring drive, making the score Carolina 33-14. The Carolina scoring drive was proceeded by “garbage-time” for the final 10 minutes of the game.
The remainder of the fourth quarter was highlighted by a rookie-to-rookie touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson to tight end Hayden Hurst. Carolina secured a 36-21 victory at home.
Fantasy Implications
Quarterback Cam Newton scored 27+ points in all fantasy leagues as the quarterback looked unstoppable. Running back Christian McCaffrey got in the end zone twice on Sunday and scored over 20 points in PPR leagues.
Tight end Greg Olsen put up over 15 points in PPR leagues. Running back Alex Collins, tight end Hayden Hurst, and running back “Buck” Allen all got in the end zone for Baltimore.
Photo Credit
Featured Image courtesy of Keith Allison
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