Heading into NFL Week 9 action, the Green Bay Packers are facing off against the Carolina Panthers. What five key players must step up for the team to pull off a huge victory on the road?
1. Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback
Was there any question that the first player on this list would be superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers? After throwing for just 77 yards against the Denver Broncos last week, the Packers need him to come into this game angry and looking to prove a point. Carolina has an impressive defense as well, but Green Bay cannot afford to have another dud performance from their franchise player.
2. Eddie Lacy, Running Back
Coming into the season, Eddie Lacy was expected to have yet another big season for the Packers and be one of the best running backs in the NFL. That hasn't happened and he has been struggling in a major way over the past month. Lacy will figure out a way to right the ship this week against the Panthers and come through with a big game against a very tough defense.
3. Clay Matthews, Linebacker
Another obvious key player for the Packers in Clay Matthews, but he is more important in this game than he has been in any other this season. Cam Newton is one of the more mobile quarterbacks in the NFL and is easily the most physical. Matthews is going to have to step up and help contain him this week and will have to use his own physicality to go up against the Carolina offense.
4. James Jones, Wide Receiver
Throughout the entire season up until last week, James Jones had found ways to make an impact on games. He simply disappeared last week, as did the rest of the Green Bay offense. Going up against a tough Carolina secondary, Jones is going to have to figure out a way to get open and give Aaron Rodgers a legitimate target to throw to and make some plays after the catch as well.
5. Julius Peppers, Linebacker
Julius Peppers is obviously another veteran leader for the Green Bay defense and will have to find a way to put pressure on Newton. When he is able to get to the quarterback, Peppers has to figure out a way to bring Newton down. Neither of those tasks is going to be easy, but Peppers will be extra motivated in his return to face his former team and will make an impact.
Overview
All of that being said, this game is going to be very entertaining and will come down to the wire. Green Bay is looking to hand Carolina their first loss and we are leaning towards them being able to do just that playing an angry brand of football after last week's blowout. If that is going to happen, these five players have to step up and be major playmakers for Green Bay.
What do you guys think about this game? Who do you think will win and what will the final score be?
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