The last time we faced the Panthers Brady Quinn was our QB, Jonathan Baldwin and Tony Moeaki had a TD reception, and Tyson Jackson had a sack. This was also during our 2012 2-14 season, and it was the second of our two wins that season. None of those players are with the team anymore, and will only have 4 total players from our previous matchup available on Sunday. Now, it's time to take a look at the storylines going into today's game.

Spencer Ware and Alex Smith In, Justin Houston and Jeremy Maclin Out

Ware and Smith will both be in the game on Sunday after missing last week with head injuries. Houston was expected to be available this weekend, as he was activated on November 9th, but has been called out for the game after initial speculation had him starting. Maclin has been dealing with a groin injury he suffered during practice on November 3rd, and was pulled out of last weeks game during the Jaguars after aggravating the injury. The loss of Maclin certainly doesn't help the Chiefs as they face the 4th toughest rush defense, and only the 23rd toughest pass defense according to Football Outsiders. But the addition of Spencer Ware should help mitigate the loss of Jeremy Maclin. Ware is still 4th in the league in total yards from scrimmage per game, and should see a healthy dose of targets through the air. It should also be worth mentioning that defensive end Jaye Howard will also be out for the game making the Chiefs thin on the defensive line.

Panthers Road to Redemption

The Panthers similarly to the Chiefs of 2015 started the season 1-5. Since then the Panthers have won 2 straight games and look to potentially secure their first back to back winning seasons in franchise history. Although unlike the Chiefs, the Panthers will likely need to win using their punishing running game behind the big bodies of Cam, Tolbert, and Stewart. Together the three weigh in at approximately 738lbs, which for comparison is 92lbs heavier than the Chiefs trio of Smith, Ware, and West. The three have been the legs that keep the Panthers 9th ranked rushing offence moving, and helping them score 25.5 points per game (9th best in the league). The Chiefs have allowed 124.5 rushing yards per game, but rank 11th in total rush defense by Football Outsiders making this a particularly interesting matchup. With injuries to the Chiefs defense going up against their biggest weakness puts the game plan in focus for the Panthers. If they're able to convert, the Chiefs could be flatted in the Panthers' path to redemption.

Dee Ford Continues to Dominate

In his last two games Ford has 5.5 sacks against the 16th and 32nd ranked pass protecting offensive lines. In the Panthers Dee Ford faces the 26th offensive line, which has given up 21 sacks so far this season. Mike Remmers and Daryl Williams rank as the 61st and 52nd offensive tackles in the NFL according to PFF. Remmers in particular is known for his particularly bad play against Von Miller in Super Bowl 50. Miller beat him consistently with speed rushes bending around the edge which has become Ford's specialty. Ford should continue to dominate against a sluggish tackle pair and help make life difficult in the pocket for Cam Newton.

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A short article this week and a bit rushed. It's been pretty busy around the house and at work so there hasn't been much time to work on these. But there ain't no rest for the wicked. As always, please leave any and all comments/feedback. Thank you!