Lions vs. Panthers: 5 Second-Half Adjustments Carolina Must Make

Carolina is having one of the most interesting seasons for a 2-7 team in recent memory. Their record says they stink, but Cam Newton and a resurgent Steve Smith have given the fans plenty of reasons to hope.

They came off their bye last week against the Titans with hopes that a win and a strong second half of the season from Newton could push them towards .500. Those hopes were dashed with an abysmal performance against Tennessee – probably Carolina's worst game of the year.

Today they're facing a quality opponent. The Lions have developed a reputation for nasty play on defense, and they feature one the game's most explosive offensive performers in Calvin 'Megatron' Johnson.

So far, Carolina is winning due to good play from Newton and HORRIBLE play from Detroit.

Here are 5 adjustments the Panthers they should make to stay on top and shock the Lions.

1. Keep Cam upright.

We thought coming into the game, this would be the main narrative: Detroit's fearsome D-line against the flashy but inexperienced Newton. So far, Newton has mostly avoided the rush with quick drops and an effective running game.

Expect Detroit to make serious adjustments in the way they rush Newton in the second half. Detroit may go to blitzes from the secondary to confuse Newton, or simply move around its linemen to get more pressure. One of the keys to the game will be how Newton and the Panthers respond to Detroit's energy coming out of what should be an emotionally-charged locker room. 

2. Scheme against the rush.

One way to combat an aggressive pass rush is to scheme against it. Carolina should feature more runs, shovel passes, screen plays and 3-step drops in the second half. A wide receiver screen to Smith isn't a bad idea. They faked it once, perhaps to set it up in the second half.

3. Disrupt Stafford's timing.

With two picks already, Matthew Stafford has been one of Carolina's best friends today. The Panthers seem to be doing a good job of mixing up their coverages. One of the interceptions came when Stafford tried to hit a triple-covered Calvin Johnson. 

In the second half, expect Stafford to do a better job of reading those coverages. Carolina should go for the jugular with a rattled QB. Come after him with some blitzes ... just don't leave Megatron single-covered.

4. Thank your lucky stars.

Did all the Panthers do charity work this week or something? Most things have gone their way in the first half, from terrible decisions by Stafford, to a kick returned for a TD, to the Lions taking horrible penalties. 

Whatever Carolina did to deserve this luck, they better hope it doesn't turn around in the second half. Carolina could be en route to its best win of the year, but let's be honest -- they're getting help from a truly horrendous Detroit performance.

5. Keep Brandon LaFell involved.

With Shockey out, expect Detroit to do a better job clamping down on Steve Smith in the second half. Brandon LaFell has been impressive in the first half as a possession receiver. He could develop into the mid-range security blanket Newton needs to keep the chains moving in the second half.