QB Cam Newton is holding up to a healthy number of hits and will have the green light to run against a defense not immune to issues against mobile passers. Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers (6-1) at Carolina Panthers (7-0)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte – TV: FOX
*TV announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews
*Keys to the game: The Packers put up 38 points and won by 21 when these teams met in October 2014. This Carolina defense is different – in health, personnel and confidence. DT Kawann Short was fourth in the rotation inside last season and is playing near All-Pro level in 2015, as is CB Josh Norman. They’ll look to continue the misery QB Aaron Rodgers and the Packers experienced on the road at Denver last week.
Rodgers hasn’t lost back-to-back starts since 2010. To keep that streak alive, accuracy between the hashes is vital. The Broncos blitzed inside gaps and dominated Green Bay’s offensive line, preventing Rodgers from stepping up or escaping the pocket. Working the ball to slot receiver Randall Cobb, who had a big game in the last meeting, and TE Richard Rodgers are the Packers’ parachutes out of harm’s way.
A bigger key? Avoiding third-and-long. The Packers are at 36.4 percent on third down and went 2-of-8 against the Broncos.
The Panthers fell behind 21-0 last season. That is unlikely to happen again with the NFL’s leading rushing offense at 113.7 yards per game set up for success. Green Bay is 25th against the run with an average of 124.4 yards allowed per game. QB Cam Newton is holding up to a healthy number of hits and will have the green light to run against a defense not immune to issues against mobile passers.
*Matchup to watch – Panthers TE Greg Olsen vs. Packers LBs: Green Bay’s struggles in defending capable pass-catching tight ends has been notorious for many years. Fresh off giving up big gains to Denver’s tandem of Virgil Green and Owen Daniels last week, the Packers must contend with Olsen, Carolina’s top receiver this season with 33 catches for 518 yards and four touchdowns.
*Player spotlight – Packers LB Clay Matthews: Matthews is essential against RB Jonathan Stewart and Newton, but is not healthy (ankle/knee). He was able to practice Wednesday but could be limited at Carolina.
*Fast facts: Panthers coach Ron Rivera is 15-16-1 in games decided by seven points or less. … Norman has not allowed a touchdown to any opponent’s No. 1 receiver this season.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
The Packers put Aaron Rodgers on the bench with a 38-3 lead in the fourth quarter when Carolina visited last season. With confidence brimming and matchup advantages, QB Cam Newton delivers an eighth win for the Panthers, who backed into the playoffs with seven wins in 2014.
*Our pick: Panthers 26-24.
