Biggest Panthers' Weakness Lions Must Exploit in Week 4

The Panthers have the worst run defense in the NFL, and it isn’t that close. Through three weeks, Carolina has allowed 580 total rushing yards and 193.3 rushing yards per game.

It doesn’t help that the Panthers’ defense has been decimated by injuries. Edge rusher Nic Scourton is out for the year with a knee injury, and defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton is still on the physically unable to perform list with a neck issue. Carolina also has two key defensive backs, Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, on injured reserve.

With all that in consideration, it’s safe to assume that head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing have centered the Week 4 game plan around Gibbs. The 24-year-old has a ton of momentum entering Sunday night’s contest, and should be in for another explosive outing against a Carolina squad that has no answers in the run-defense department.

Detroit still can’t take the Panthers lightly, as Carolina’s offense is capable of putting points up in bunches. However, if the Lions lean on Gibbs and quarterback Jared Goff is efficient, Detroit should come away with a major victory away from home.