NFL Carolina Panthers

Roman Harper Will Be X-Factor For Carolina Panthers In Week 7

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By @Langtron57

Carolina Panthers Roman Harper

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While some may focus on offense when predicting Sunday’s game between the Carolina Panthers and the Green Bay Packers, the outcome for the Panthers will be determined more by defense. Obviously Cam Newton and receivers Kelvin Benjamin and Jericho Cotchery will be major factors against a Packers defense that has its share of holes, but defense is the way to beat Green Bay.

The Packers were beaten by the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1 and the Detroit Lions in Week 3. Both of these losses occurred against strong defenses that were able to disrupt Aaron Rodgers, cover his receivers and disable the running game. Defense will be the most important side of the ball for the Panthers, and their most important player will be the 31 year-old safety Roman Harper.

Harper is a nine year veteran in the league who played much of his career for the New Orleans Saints, having been a two time Pro Bowl selection and member of the Saints’ Super Bowl winning team back in 2010. Harper’s production has dropped somewhat since then, but his natural athleticism and general knowledge of the safety position persist.

Three of the Panthers’ starting defensive backs have over five years in the league, as Thomas DeCoud and Antoine Cason are both in their late twenties, but Harper is the oldest. At nearly 32, his speed will have to keep up with the likes of Jordy Nelson, who is lethal whether he’s up the sidelines or through the middle. Randall Cobb will also be a threat and, as the Miami Dolphins found out on Sunday, it is only a matter of time on each play before Cobb gets open for a big play. Further down the depth chart, rookies Davante Adams and Jeff Janis can both cause problems for safeties.

With regard to the Packers’ passing offense, Harper will need to be all over the field and his stamina and speed will be tested. Harper has three interceptions so far in 2014 and Aaron Rodgers rarely throws picks, but getting one could be a major momentum shift for the Panthers. While the Packers’ rushing game was nearly non-existent early in the season, Eddie Lacy and James Starks have both made some very significant gains in the last couple of weeks.

Unfortunately for the Panthers, their rush defense is sixth worst in the league, giving up 140 yards per game. Their front seven have not lived up to expectations so far this year, and as a veteran strong safety, Harper will need to step up and hit Lacy and Starks both. While the Packers’ offensive line will likely have plenty of trouble with the linemen and linebackers of the Panthers, Lacy and Starks are still dangerous runners.

The Packers have an offense that has plenty of weapons and possibly the best quarterback in the game. On Sunday, Roman Harper will have his work cut out for him. Between Rodgers, Lacy, Nelson and Cobb, the 31 year-old will need to be on his game.

Chris Langton is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. He also contributes to the MMA page. Follow him on Twitter @Langtron57, “Like” him on Facebook, and add him to your network on Google.

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