The Carolina Panthers gave up over 250 rushing yards just last week, and Green Bay’s run game has to finally show up in tonight’s primetime matchup. Seriously, it’s now or never for the Packers to bounce back from that Lions loss, because hitting 4-4 with four conference defeats would be a nightmare scenario for their season. They absolutely need to turn the page and put together a winning performance at home.
Response and O-Line Chaos: Can They Even Try to Compete?
Everyone’s watching how this Packers team responds after playing so poorly against the Lions, letting a real chance to steal a win just slip away. It’s not a new problem either, remember last month? They didn’t play great in New York, came home for a Thursday night game against an NFC South team that was also coming off a big loss, and then got totally dominated by the Falcons. And who could forget last November, when the Panthers, after getting absolutely crushed 40-9 by the Bills, came into Lambeau Field and stunned the Packers? Matt LaFleur’s crew better have moved on from Sunday, because the Panthers are probably rolling into Green Bay ready for a fistfight.
Then there’s the offensive line, man. It’s been the biggest question mark all season. Whether Jordan Love gets enough time to survey his options or not, that’s literally the difference between a good day and a bad day for Green Bay’s offense. This week, we’re guaranteed at least one change to the starting lineup. Sean Rhyan and Jacob Monk are both out at center, so it’ll be Jager Burton or John Williams snapping to Love. Plus, Kevin Zeitler or Aaron Banks might replace Travis Glover at right guard. The coaching staff has some serious decisions to make, again.
Run Game Goldmine and Defensive Hope: This Is the Week
Despite all that O-line drama, there’s a reason for optimism this week. Could the run game finally emerge? It absolutely has to. The Panthers are a joke against the run, letting up over 250 rushing yards last week and entering Week 8 allowing the most rushing yards per game in the entire NFL this season. Josh Jacobs is back, he’s had a week to shake off the rust, and this matchup is tailor-made for him. Plus, with Kevin Zeitler or Mekhi Becton potentially in at right guard, and Aaron Banks finally healthy, the line could get a boost. The Panthers won’t have their top edge rusher, Jaelan Phillips, and defensive lineman Bobby Brown III is questionable. Yes, the Packers need to be way more consistent to get it going, but this has to be the week. The Pro Bowl running back is back, the matchup is fantastic, and they’re at home on a short week. They have to run the ball on Thursday night.
On the other side of the ball, Jonathan Gannon’s defense has been the most consistently reliable part of this Packers team. He’s proven he can field a competitive unit even when crucial guys like Edgerrin Cooper, Javon Hargrave, and Zaire Franklin have been sidelined by injuries. Bryce Young and the Panthers have put up some impressive point totals against weaker defenses, but they’ve struggled hard against the best two they’ve faced in the Buccaneers and Browns. Adding to that, the Panthers are missing their best two offensive linemen. Based on Gannon’s performance as defensive coordinator so far, you’ve got to expect him to execute another effective plan.
This primetime game is huge for the Packers. They need to get to 5-3 to stay alive in the NFC North race. Falling to 4-4 with four conference losses would just be a tough, tough hole to dig out of. This is their chance to make a statement.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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