Green Bay Packers vs Carolina Panthers: A recap of the dominance
By Josh McPeak
The first quarter of today’s game between the Carolina Panthers and the Green Bay Packers can be summed up with one word –Dominant.
In one of the most team balanced quarters the Packers have played in sometime ended with the Pack on top 21-0. Jordy Nelson had four receptions good for eighty yards. Aaron Rodgers and Nelson set the pace early with a fifty-nine yard touchdown pass on the first drive of the game.
Eddie Lacy added a five yard touchdown and lived up to his nickname of the “Hammer”. Lacy looked great and proved to be a fit for the Panthers to bring down as he broke numerous tackles.
James Starks entered the game and quickly provided a spark with his speed. Starks also found the end zone with a thirteen yard scamper of his own.
Clay Matthews’ return will help solidify the Packers’ defense.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph
Clay Matthews who had his best game by far so far this season, also found pay-dirt. Unfortunately, Matthews pick-six was negated by a defensive pass interference call.
The second quarter continued to see the Packers roll and the defensive unit awe. Randall Cobb joined the party and was decorated with ketchup during his Lambeau Leap.
Rodgers was a blistering 15 of 17 passing with 194 yards and 2 touchdowns at the half. Randall Cobb led the way with 5 receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown. Cobb continues to be a versatile/elite weapon for Rodgers. Ted Thompson should be putting ink-to-paper very soon with Cobb.
Starting the third quarter Green Bay had seventeen first downs to Carolina’s six, while outgaining them a total of 271-113 yards. A very lopsided 28-3 half.
During the third quarter the defense made a “Big-Boy” play and stuffed Cam Newton on a fourth and one quarterback sneak.
Davante Adams continues to progress and flash the type of player he will be going forward. Rodgers found Adams for a twenty-one yard touchdown pass to put the Packers up 35-3.
Oct 12, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward (29) celebrates after making an interception catch during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Not to be outdone the defense showed up big in the third quarter as well. Clay Matthews pushed his blocker into the face of Cam newton allowing Julius Peppers to plant the quarterback for a sack. The “X-Factor” Casey Hayward showed off the ball hawk skills he possesses when healthy, with an interception as well. His second in as many games.
Emotions flared on an Eddie Lacy fumble as tight end Richard Rodgers drug Luke Kuechly off of the pile. Kuechly was not in the least happy about it and came up hot, accidentally making contact with an official. He would spend the rest of the half in the showers.
Mason Crosby would add a thirty-four yard field goal after Rodgers to Rodgers narrowly missed one another for a touchdown. Green Bay started the fourth quarter with a 38-3 lead. The only bad news of the game saw James Starks leave the game with at first impression an ankle injury.
The final quarter would see another flash of the Matthews/Peppers duo as this time it was Matthews dropping Newton with some help from Peppers. Matthews was pretty stoked and drew a “questionable” taunting penalty.
Carolina would find the end zone for the first time as Cam Newton found rookie receiver Kelvin Benjamin for a thirteen yard touchdown.
With a 38-10 score it was Matt Flynn and Derek Anderson time, as both entered the game to take over at the quarterback position.
Aaron Rodgers ended his day with 255 yards on 19 of 22 passing with 3 touchdowns. Of those nineteen receptions Rodgers spread it among nine different targets. His sixth straight game without an interception giving him a staggering 18:1 touchdown to interception ratio on the season.
Derek Anderson would find Brenton Bersin for Bersin’s first career touchdown on a one yard pass. The “garbage time” touchdown would bring the score to perhaps a better looking 38-17.
Sept 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) meet on the field after the game at Lambeau Field. The Packers beat the Saints 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Flynn would take a couple of knees to cap off the 21 point fourth straight victory.
Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb are the first teammates to have touchdowns in four straight games since 1940.
Green Bay played an absolute complete team game against Carolina and have been red hot since taking the advice from Aaron Rodgers -R-E-L-A-X. Unfortunately a Detroit Lions fourth quarter comeback against the Packers’ next opponent in the New Orleans Saints will prevent Green Bay from being alone at the top of the NFC North.