Specifically, wide receiver Dionte Johnson has combined for 205 yards and a touchdown in both games started by the Red Rifle. In the first two Panthers’ games, he had 19 and 15 yards, respectively.
So, what changed?
The Panthers switched to a veteran quarterback that can read a defense, get the ball out quicker than a hiccup and see over the offensive line. Sorry, but when it comes to size, former No. 1 pick and benched starter Bryce Young would have fit right in at my son’s junior high game on Tuesday.
Let’s keep this from becoming the Andy Dalton Revenge Game with pressure up front.
Gervon Dexter has been good
In a short period of time, the former Bears’ quarterback has the second-best QBR in the league trailing Josh Allen. But, the 36-year-old is in his 14th season. He’s not setting any land speed records if he escapes the pocket, a place the Bears’ defensive line should never let him get comfortable.
Gervon Dexter has to continue his break-out season. The second-year player out of Florida has blossomed into the best 3-technique the Bears have had under Matt Eberflus in his Tampa-2 defense.
He’s not Tommie Harris take-up-residence in the backfield and destroy all that remains in the gap between center and guard, but he is tied for fourth in the NFL with three sacks.
He’s not the prototype either. Credit to Ryan Poles for seeing Dexter could transition at the pro level from a player that lined up over the center at Florida, where he reacted to what the offensive line was doing, to a Bears’ wrecking ball that can disrupt the offense’s yard-gaining intentions.
If Dexter can help collapse, confuse, cause a double-team, and create havoc on an already shaky Panthers’ offensive line, Montez Sweat could add to his totals of two sacks and a forced fumble off the edge.
Sit on some routes
Dalton was 15-for-19 on passes that traveled 0 to 9 yards in the air.
It seems like the opportunity is as ripe as a pumpkin in October for some ball-hawking play. Dalton should be savvy enough to avoid the opportunistic arms of Jaylon Johnson. But his veteran moxie might think he can dupe second-year corner Tyrique Stevenson into being overaggressive.
That’s an intriguing chess match. Stevenson wants to make a play. He’s got an interception and three passes defended. But, watch his reaction after a play. Anytime he’s close to a pick he’s wondering how he didn’t pluck the ball out of the air.
Perhaps this is the game where he jumps a crossing route and counts on Kevin Byard or Jaquan Brisker to have his back should a pass get through.
Take an aggressive mentality in the secondary, mix it with copious amounts of pressure from the defensive line and the Bears can keep the recently potent tandem of Johnson and Dalton under control.
That’s how the Bears can stack wins before they get to divisional play.
