The undefeated Carolina Panthers host the one-loss Green Bay Packers in NFL Week 9 action, and many wonder if they can pull off a victory against the best team they've played so far this year. Below are five keys for them to find victory and prove they're a contender in the NFC once and for all.
5. Feed the Beast: Greg Olsen
It may seem like common sense for the Panthers, and really their only reliable choice as far as passing the ball. But it's also a smart idea because only seven teams in the league have given up more yards to tight ends than the Packers. If they can get the ball to Olsen early and often, expect them to be able to keep drives alive and find success in the red zone.
4. Lockdown James Jones
When Jones has a big game, the Packers score a lot of points. Last week, the Broncos shut him down to the tune of one catch for a measly two yards. Put Josh Norman on him and make Aaron Rodgers go elsewhere with the ball.
3. Win Battle in the Trenches
One of the weak areas on Green Bay's squad has been the offensive line. Kawann Short and company need to bring their A-game and do more than just put pressure on Rodgers. You actually have to bring him down multiple times and get good hits on him. It's the best way, and one of the only ways, to kill the Packers' drives before they get started.
2. Establish Ground Game to Keep Rodgers Off the Field
Of course, the best way to keep the Packers from outscoring you is by keeping their offense off of the field. The Packers have a poor run defense, and the Panthers have a big, fast quarterback to go along with a couple of bruising backs who can pound the rock. If those Newton, Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert combine for at least 35 carries, expect the Panthers to control the ball and find themselves in a good position to win.
1. Cam Newton Needs to Protect the Football
Finally, Newton needs to take better care of the football. Against teams with lesser offenses, he's gotten away with having a career-high 3.7 interception percentage. If he has a multi-interception game like he did in two of the last three games, then Carolina will have no chance. If he throws one or less while everything else listed above gets taken care of, expect the Panthers to win by a touchdown.
Prediction: Panthers 27, Packers 21
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