5 Panthers players the Vikings should be most concerned about
By Nik Edlund
Curtis Samuel – WR/RB
Curtis Samuel is a swiss army knife type of player and one that the Panthers love to utilize in a variety of ways. He can lineup out wide, in the slot, or in the backfield. He usually gets at least one rushing attempt a game and has 112 yards on the ground this season and two touchdowns.
Samuel is also having a great year through the air. He’s caught 49 passes for 445 yards and three touchdowns. He’s got exceptional overall speed, is shifty, and is also tough to bring down. He’s slowly earned a more consistent role in the Panthers’ offense and with McCaffrey out, has given this offense a much-needed boost.
The Vikings will have to be aware of where Samuel is on every snap. The Panthers will try to get him lined up with a linebacker to create a mismatch, and the Vikings can’t let that happen. They should almost assign one of their corners to just be Samuel’s shadow and not let him out of sight. If he gets going and the Panthers are able to use him effectively, the Vikings will be hard-pressed to get their fifth win of the season.