The Michigan Panthers wrap up a 3-game homestead hosting the Houston Roughnecks Sunday at noon at Ford Field. The Panthers are coming off a 13-20 loss to the Birmingham Stallions that came down to the final minute. The Houston Roughnecks are looking for their first win after losing on the road to the DC Defenders 18-23 last week.
Week 2 First and Second Team of the Week
Game Details:
Date/Location: Sunday, April 14 /Ford Field, Detroit, MI
Kickoff Time: 12 PM ET, 9 AM PT
Channel: ESPN
Odds:
Spread: Michigan -1.5 (-110), Houston +1.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Michigan -140, Houston +120
Over/Under: 37.5 (Over -115, Under -105)
Michigan Panthers (1-1):
The Michigan Panthers defense has played very well against the Birmingham Stallions last week. The Panthers held quarterbacks Matt Corrall and Alex Martinez to a combined 48.53 QBR by Michigan’s defense. Keith Jipson Jr. had a timely interception in the endzone.
The Panthers also did a pretty good job keeping the run game in check with linebacker Frank Ginda leading the way in the run-stopping department with 3 solo run stops and 3 shared run stops.
On offense, the Panthers were held to 205 yards last week of total offense with 76 coming from Marcus Simms’ deep touchdown reception. The Panthers offense will look to bounce back and generate more production moving forward after being rather limited against the Stallions’ defense which is arguably the toughest defense in the league.
Houston Roughnecks (0-2):
The Houston Roughnecks are still looking for the first win after a couple of close losses to open their season. In week 1 they had significant struggles in pass protection and run blocking which significantly improved in week 2 although there is still room for improvement. The Roughnecks had a couple of unfortunate injuries last week and will be without Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano as well as runningback Kirk Merritt who suffered a dislocated wrist. The Roughnecks will have Reid Sinnett starting at quarterback this week.
Panthers Keys to the Game
Stop the Run Game Early
Houston struggled to run the ball in week 1 in what was a game with a lot of struggles in pass protection. If Michigan can stop their run game they can make Houston less dimensional and zero in on the pass rush.
Pound the Rock
This is going to be key every game for Michigan. The Panthers need Wes Hills to generate a lot of production.
More Field Goals From Jake Bates
Jake Bates has made 3 long field goals so far this season making his kicks from 64 yards, 62, and 52. As long as this continues the Panthers can score from very far distances.
Continuous Strong Play From the Cover Defense
The Panthers’ cover defense has impressed me in both of their games so far this season. Nate Brooks and Keith Gipson Jr. have been an effective cornerback duo. It’s been difficult for receivers to get open against Michigan except for a few instances in which there was a communication breakdown in who was covering who.
As long as the defense continues to play as well as it has for the Panthers they will always have a good chance to win their games.
Panthers to Watch
#4 QB E.J. Perry
Perry completed 20 of his 33 passes for 203 yards and a touchdown with 1 interception. He also had 25 rushing yards on 4 rushes.
#31 RB Wes Hills
Hills was limited by the Stallions defense last week to just 10 rushing yards. The Panthers will need him to be a focal point of their offense moving forward.
#9 WR Marcus Simms
Simms caught 3 passes last week for 96 yards and a touchdown which came on a 76-yard go route.
#18 WR Trey Quinn
Quinn caught 5 passes last week for 27 yards.
#95 DT Daniel Wise
Wise has played great through the first 2 weeks of the season. Last week he had 4 tackles including a solo run stop and 2 shared run stops. He also had 2 QB hurries.
#7 Corrion Ballard
Made 5 solo tackles and 9 total tackles last week including a run stop in the third quarter.
#10 LB Noah Dawkins
Dawkins played well last week contributing 4 tackles and 1 TFL. He helped on 2 run stops and also made a solo stop against the pass.
#6 CB Keith Gipson
Last week Keith Gipson had 2 tackles, a pass breakup, and an interception in the 4th quarter which occurred in the end zone.
#21 S Kedrick Whitehead
Whitehead made 2 tackles in week 2. He got involved in the pass rush recording a QB hurry and 2 QB hits.
Roughnecks to Watch
#7 QB Reid Sinnett
Sinnett played well coming in relief for Jarrett Guarantano. He completed 19 of his 30 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown. With Guarantano injured, Sinnett will be the starter this week.
#5 RB T.J. Pledger
Pledger rushed 11 times for 47 yards in week 2 against DC and also added 10 yards on 3 receptions.
#3 WR Keke Chism
Last week Merritt caught 3 passes for 57 yards and a touchdown.
#95 DE Ethan Westbrooks
Westbrooks had 3 tackles and 1.5 sacks last week. He had 3 additional pressures as well.
#10 LB Reuben Foster
Foster covered a lot of ground last week recording 6 tackles, 2 TFLs, and 2 pass breakups. He made a big impact in the run game getting 2 solo stops and 3 shared stops.
CB Corn Elder
Elder had 3 tackles, 2 pass breakups, and a pick-six returned 98 yards early in the game.
Depth Charts, Injuries, Inactives
Score Prediction:
I am expecting both defenses to flex their muscles in this game. I predict the Panthers to win 23-19.
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