Panthers Travel to Green Bay to Face Injured Packers
Carolina seeks a rebound from its loss to Tampa Bay, while Green Bay tries to recover from a last-second defeat by Detroit.
By Noah Ross ·
The Carolina Panthers head to Green Bay for a Thursday Night Football matchup against the Packers. Both squads are looking to snap losing streaks after their respective Sunday defeats. The Packers dropped their game to the Lions in the final seconds and hold a 4-3 record. Carolina lost to the Buccaneers in a close contest that dropped the Panthers to 3-3 on the season.
Green Bay fields a potent aerial attack led by quarterback Jordan Love. Love ranks second in the league with 1,958 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. He throws deep on 67% of his attempts. Receivers Christian Watson and Matthew Golden provide significant downfield threats. Watson averages nearly 18 yards per reception and has six scores. Golden has three touchdowns and four catches of at least 37 yards.
Panthers safety Nick Scott noted that the Packers possess a strong receiving group. The defense must stop the run first to limit explosive plays. However, Green Bay struggles on the ground, averaging under 60 rushing yards per game. That total places them last in the NFL. All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs is returning to the lineup. Panthers defensive tackle Turk Wharton described Jacobs as a powerful downhill runner who can change the pace of the game.
The Packers also feature a top-ranked defensive unit. They lead the league with 13 takeaways and allow only 208 passing yards per game. That passing defense ranks ninth in the NFL. Pro Bowl safeties Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams have combined for five of the team's nine interceptions. Cornerbacks Keisean Nixon and Brandon Cisse will face a Panthers passing game that still ranks second in the league despite last week's struggles.
Injuries to the Packers front seven could create opportunities for Carolina. Star defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and starting linebacker Edgerrin Cooper are out with torn Achilles tendons. All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons has been sidelined since tearing his ACL last season. Pro Bowl linebacker Zaire Franklin is also missing this game with a shin injury.
The Panthers will aim to exploit these gaps on the offensive line. The two teams have played tight contests recently. Eight of the last nine meetings between them have been decided by one possession or less. Carolina won the previous matchup at Lambeau Field 16-13.
Source: WBT
