PACKERS
Contain Cam
Mobile quarterbacks such as Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson have gashed the Packers on the play in recent years. Even the Dolphins’ Ryan Tannehill had some success with it last week. Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton may be the most physically gifted quarterback the Packers will see, and you can bet the read-option will be part of the plan Sunday. For the Packers, that means keeping someone fast on the defense dedicated to getting a hit on the quarterback on every play, even if it means the running back occasionally gets a few extra yards.
Run Blocking
Packers running back Eddie Lacy once again had a down performance Sunday, gaining only 40 yards on 14 carries. It is beginning to look like the Packers’ offensive line simply can’t beat superior defensive lines. Lacy has done enough, even with poor blocking, to show he can still be an effective runner, but the blocking has to be there. Sunday could offer the line another chance to shine as the Panthers have the 27th-ranked rushing defense in the league.
PANTHERS
Rodgers
There is a simple fact about the Packers the Miami Dolphins learned the hard way last week: If Aaron Rodgers is relaxed, he has a better than even chance of beating you. The Packers gave up three sacks to Miami, but Rodgers had time on the final drive and carved the Dolphins up. In the Packers’ two losses this season, active defensive lines in Seattle and Detroit both kept pressure on Rodgers and never let him get too comfortable. The Panthers will need replicate that Sunday to steal a win in Lambeau Field.
Avoid the Turnover
The Packers’ defense has been thriving on turnovers. The team is tied for the best turnover ratio in the league (aided by Rodgers’ ability to avoid throwing picks). The Packers’ defenders get their hands on the ball across the board. Despite having nine interceptions this season, only cornerback Sam Shields has more than one. Rookie safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix has gotten in on the act, a year after the Packers were the only team in the league without an interception from the safety position. Newton has thrown only two picks this season. The Panthers are plus-five in the turnover ratio, tied for fifth in the league. The Panthers will need to be on the right side of the turnover ratio Sunday to have a chance against the Packers.
Extra Points
Must-see Matchup: TE Greg Olsen vs. Packers DBs
With Packers starting cornerbacks Tramon Williams and Sam Shields both potentially sidelined, as well as Panthers rookie receiver Kelvin Benjamin possibly being sidelined with a concussion, the matchup between the remaining Packers defensive backs and Panthers tight end Greg Olsen will be one to watch. Olsen is behind only Benjamin in reception yardage (388). He leads the team in touchdown receptions with five. The Packers’ secondary has been good at taking away the football but has also struggled against big receivers such as Chicago tight end Martellus Bennett. They’ll need to keep Olsen contained, especially in the red zone.
Hot Seat: Special teams coordinator Shawn Slocum
The Packers’ special teams unit has had plenty of miscues over the years. A pair of long returns by Miami rookie Jarvis Landry showed the Packers still need to work on their defensive scheme. The unit can’t give up big returns like it did on Sunday. With his unit hurt by the loss of special teams ace Andy Mulumba, Slocum needs to fiddle with the personnel groupings and get it fixed before a kick return seriously hurts the Packers’ chances in a game. Relying on the tackling ability of kicker Mason Crosby, as good as it has been, is not a good option.
Hot Streak: Davante Adams
Rookie wide receiver Davante Adams was a busy man Sunday, catching six passes for 77 yards. His most important play, and the one that demonstrates the young receiver’s awareness and chemistry with Rodgers, was his last catch. Rodgers called for a spike with the clock ticking down. With most of the players assuming the spike was coming, Rodgers pulled the ball back and looked to his right. Adams, split wide, had anticipated the move and went out for a quick pass. Rodgers threw the ball to Adams, and the rookie took it 12 yards for a first down, getting out of bounds with 3 seconds left on the clock. Rodgers clearly trusts Adams a lot to go to him on an improvised play in that situation. Adams’ development is a good sign for a team that needed more targets.
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