Panthers Insider: Adjusting for Gross
The Panthers could be forced to make shifts on the offensive line again this week if Jordan Gross isn't back.
Gross missed last week's game with an ankle injury, forcing the team to move Travelle Wharton to left tackle and Mackenzy Bernadeau to fill in at Wharton's spot at left guard.
"We missed Jordan Gross a little bit," coach Ron Rivera said. "I think there is a comfort zone that you get in. We gave up a couple sacks that, maybe, we don't if he had been there. I thought that Travelle Wharton stepped up and played left tackle for us and did a nice job. Mackenzy Bernadeau continues to get better and better every time he gets the opportunity to play."
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Overshadowed in last week's loss to Atlanta was another sterling performance by WR Steve Smith, who caught six passes for 125 yards in becoming the 35th player to reach 10,000 career receiving yards. By the time he was finished, Smith had moved to No. 34 on the all-time list with 10,101 yards.
The game continued an impressive season for Smith, in which he ranks first in the NFC and second in the League with 1,217 receiving yards. Smith's 18.2 yards per catch is fifth in the League and he leads the Panthers in receptions (67), yards (1,217) and is tied for the team lead in touchdown receptions with five.
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In Week 14 vs. Atlanta, QB Cam Newton threw for 276 yards to reach 3,573 passing yards this season, the second-most passing yards by a rookie in NFL history.
This week Newton needs 167 more passing yards to break Peyton Manning's rookie record of 3,739 set in 1998.
The starter in all 13 games, Newton has added 15 touchdowns with 16 interceptions to post an 81.1 quarterback rating. His 3,573 passing yards are the most by a rookie in Panthers history, surpassing the 2,931 yards by Chris Weinke in 2001.
Newton was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for September. In October, Newton threw for 1,381 yards, the most in NFL history by a rookie in any month.
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RB DeAngelo Williams has a knack for the big play.
It bettered Williams' previous long touchdown run of 69 yards, accomplished twice -- most recently vs. New Orleans.
BY THE NUMBERS: 16 -- Cam Newton's interceptions in 2011. Only Tampa Bay's Josh Freeman (18) and San Diego's Philip Rivers (17) have more.
PERSONNEL
General manager Marty Hurney said it's unclear who'll kick extra points and field goals for the Panthers on Sunday against Houston.
The Panthers signed undrafted rookie Adi Kunalic, who attended camp with the team but was cut prior to the regular season, to compete with struggling veteran Olindo Mare.
Kunalic has a live leg but not much experience when it comes to kicking field goals.
K Adi Kunalic was added to the roster to compete with veteran Olindo Mare.
DT Frank Kearse will make his second start at nose tackle after a solid game against Atlanta.
-CB Chris Gamble is quietly having a great season for the Panthers and while he doesn't have the interceptions (three), coach Ron Rivera believes he should make the Pro Bowl.
QB Cam Newton needs only 167 yards passing to break Peyton Manning's all-time rookie record.
CB Darius Butler was held out of practice with concussion-like symptoms.
CB R.J. Stanford could be the team's No. 3 cornerback this week with Darius Butler still having some concussion symptoms after Sunday's loss to Atlanta.
INJURY IMPACT
The Panthers are hoping to get LT Jordan Gross back for this week's game. He missed last week because of an ankle injury, forcing the Panthers to change things up on the offensive line.
LG Travelle Wharton had to swing out to left tackle, while Mackenzy Bernadeau started at left guard. The Panthers felt that was a better alternative than starting rookie Lee Ziemba at left tackle against Ray Edwards.
GAME PLAN: For the better part of three games, the Panthers' offense has been clicking. The exception was the second half of Sunday's loss to Atlanta where they were held scoreless and allowed the Falcons to come back from a 16-point deficit. It will be interesting to see how the Panthers open up against the Texans. Carolina has run for at least 100 yards in 11 straight games and ranks fifth in rushing at 139.1 yards per game.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
QB Cam Newton vs. Texans defense -- The Texans have seen some good quarterbacks, but nobody who brings Newton's versatility in terms of running and throwing the football. Look for them to pressure the rookie early and try to take advantage of the crowd noise. This is a game where Newton could put up some good yards on the ground.
Texans RB Arian Foster vs. Panthers front seven -- You would have to think Foster is in line for a pretty good game, particularly if the Texans don't fall behind early. Carolina's front seven is banged up, already have lost four starters to season-ending injuries. If all goes well, Foster could finish this one in the 150-yard range.
