The Indianapolis Colts travel to Bank of America Stadium to face the undefeated Carolina Panthers on Monday Night Football. The Colts have lost two straight and will look to rebound with a big win against a dominant Panthers team. Carolina is looking to keep momentum rolling after beating the Eagles last week and will try to pick up its seventh win of the season.
The Panthers defense is ranked ninth in the NFL in yards allowed per game and is holding teams to an average of less than 340 yards. The Panthers give up an average of 18.3 points per game, making them the fifth best in the league. Linebackers Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly lead this Panthers defense and are both tackling machines for Carolina. Davis leads the team in tackles with 57 and is coming off a huge 13-tackle game against the Eagles last week.
Former first round draft pick Cam Newton leads the Panthers offense and has helped them get off to an undefeated start this season. Newton has struggled with turnovers, throwing seven interceptions to nine touchdowns, but being a dual-threat quarterback continuously keeps defenses on their heels. Newton has thrown for 1,275 yards this season and has rushed for 245 yards as well. Newton will look to target the Panthers' leading receiver, tight end Greg Olsen. The Panthers tight end has 439 yards receiving this season and can be a matchup nightmare for defenses.
The Colts defense has been one of the worst in the league, ranking 31st in yards allowed per game. Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky will look for his defense to step up, as it faces a difficult challenge in stopping Newton and the Panthers offense. Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson leads the team in tackles with 45 and will look to make a major impact on Monday night.
The Colts offense is led by quarterback Andrew Luck, who has reportedly been playing with fractured ribs the past couple weeks. The Colts former first round pick has struggled at times this season but looks to be finding his way in recent games. Luck has thrown 11 touchdowns to nine interceptions with 1,398 passing yards this season. Although the Colts have lost their last two games, Luck has thrown six touchdowns to two interceptions and will look to continue improving Monday against Carolina.
Colts head coach Chuck Pagano knows his job is likely on the line this season, and Indianapolis needs a win to hold onto the lead in the AFC South. Carolina head coach Ron Rivera will look for his team to pick up their fourth win at home on the season. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time, and you can watch the live broadcast here. To listen to the Colts' radio broadcast, click here, and for the Panthers' radio broadcast, go here.
