NFL Week 3 Predictions: Why the Carolina Panthers Will Blow Out Jacksonville

The Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars are set to square off in the third week of the NFL. The game is still days away, but it is never too early to start breaking down a game and making predictions. 

Carolina comes into the game searching for its first win of the season after a pair of close losses to teams that will be in the playoff picture. Jacksonville won its opener against Tennessee, but came back to Earth last week against a good New York Jets' team.

The story of this match up will be Cam Newton vs. Blaine Gabbert. Newton went No. 1 overall whereas Gabbert went 10th in this past April's draft. Newton is off to a blazing start and Gabbert can only hope for similar success. 

When these two squads meet on Sunday it will be the Panthers prevailing, and it won't be close. 

Home-Field Advantage

Bank of America stadium is the home of the Panthers, a place where they were awful a year ago. That will change this year with a new coaching staff, quarterback and overall vibe.

Carolina took the defending champs to the brink, yet were unable to come up with enough big plays in the end to capture the win. The Jaguars aren't the defending champs, though, and will have a hard time dealing with the energy that the Carolina crowd will bring.

With Newton under center, the fans have become rejuvenated about their team and it was evident against Green Bay. Gabbert's first start will have to be in a hostile environment, which usually spells trouble for a rookie quarterback.

Jacksonville's Offense

Let's be honest: the Jaguars have an atrocious offense this season. Marcedes Lewis is the biggest threat through the air for Jacksonville and he is banged up with a calf injury. It's uncertain whether or not he will be healthy enough to play against the Panthers.

Even if he is it doesn't take away the troubles that the Jags have in the wide receiver department. Mike Thomas and Jason Hill aren't going to scare any opposing defenses.

This is a concern for Jacksonville because one of Carolina's weaknesses is its pass defense. Due to the lack of ability on the outside, Carolina will be able to load the box to stop Maurice Jones-Drew. 

Blaine Gabbert

Gabbert looked okay in garbage time against the Jets. Now the real test for him will come. Admittedly, I am not sold on Gabbert being a solid pro in the NFL.

I've never been a big fan of his and don't think he does anything exceptionally well. In college he struggled with pressure like most quarterbacks do, but he reminds me a lot of how Jimmy Clausen was for the Panthers last year. Any sense of a rush coming and he'll bolt out of the pocket to throw it away.

Andy Dalton and Newton have both looked good in their short time in the NFL already. It will be vital for Gabbert to show something this Sunday against the Panthers.

Don't expect it though. The Panthers and Bengals have more weapons around their quarterbacks than the Jags do with Gabbert.

Cam Newton

Newton has looked great through two games. The way he has flung the ball around has impressed even the naysayers. Cam's bandwagon has grown exponentially since the start of the season. Nobody saw this coming this soon for him in the NFL.

It appears that Carolina made the right choice in taking Newton with the top pick, but it is still early. Nevertheless, against the Jags, he should have his way with a less intense defense than the Packers. 

Jacksonville doesn't have a Clay Matthews-type player—not many do—or a corner that will be able to stay with Steve Smith. Newton has a legitimate shot to go for his third straight 400-yard performance. 

Double Trouble

DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are going to get more carries this Sunday. Offensive coordinator Rod Chudzinski has called way too many pass plays, which has taken the ball out of two of his best offensive weapons.

Look for Chudzinski to run a variety of screen plays to get both backs involved in a passing game that has been so dynamic. The old days when the Panthers would hand the ball off 30 times a game and throw it under 25 are gone. 

Ron Rivera and Chudzinski aren't going to forget about the running game, but they also aren't going to put the brakes on a passing attack that has been dynamic. A little bit more of a balance and the Panthers are going to start winning some ball games.

That will start this Sunday when Double Trouble gets more touches.

Prediction

The Panthers' offense will be too much for the Jags to handle and Carolina will cruise to its first win on the year. Gabbert will struggle in his first start, as he will be ineffective through most of the afternoon.

Carolina will get the running game on track, yet Newton will still air out the ball for another big passing day. Those that cheer for the Panthers will leave Bank of America stadium with a smile on their face.

The same won't be said for those that are Jacksonville fans.