Baltimore Ravens vs Carolina Panthers: 3 Matchups to Watch

Sep 14, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) leaves the field after the game. The Panthers defeated the Lions 24-7 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Flacco and Jeremy Zuttah vs Luke Kuechly

Luke Kuechly has proven to be one of the brightest young stars in the NFL. He is the quarterback of the Panthers’ defense, making sure everyone is on the same page. He will make his impact felt Sunday no matter what the Ravens do.

Two players will have the most responsibility in limiting those big plays. Joe Flacco and Jeremy Zuttah, as the decision makers on offense, will be locked in a chess match with Kuechly that could very well decide this game.

Zuttah, who typically makes the line calls before the snap, has done a great job keeping the line in sync while handling his blocks effectively. With the super-active Kuechly to deal with, Zuttah will have his hands full. If Zuttah manages to get to the second level and get his hands on Kuechly, he should win that battle. That will be difficult, though.

As for Flacco, he needs to account for Kuechly at all times. Kuechly has the athleticism and aggressiveness to blow up run plays if he goes unaccounted for, and he is one of the best coverage linebackers in the NFL. Lose sight of him, and Kuechly will hurt you.