Green Bay Packers: Best opponents, how they will have an impact

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs for a touchdown against Green Bay Packers cornerback LaDarius Gunter (36) during the third quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs for a touchdown against Green Bay Packers cornerback LaDarius Gunter (36) during the third quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) is introduced before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Panthers

Luke Kuechly, Linebacker

Year-after-year, Luke Kuechly is a force in the middle. He’s able to play run, pass, all while rushing the passer.

To make matters worse, he has a pretty solid supporting cast.

Shaq Thompson has made a solid complement at linebacker, while the newly-inked Kawann Short clogs the middle and Mario Addison and Charles Johnson hold the edge.

The battle up front will be crucial. Not only will the offensive line have to hold off these monsters, but the victory will be in the hands of the receivers and tight ends.

Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly. Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly. Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

If they aren’t able to win the battle down the field the offense will struggle to move. The Packers don’t fare will when the offense isn’t moving.

As far as the draft, obviously guard is important, but adding another wide receiver couldn’t hurt.

Randall Cobb is solid in the slot, but with Jordy on the edge of the cliff in terms of age and Adams making a leap from being a bad receiver to being an above average receiver, the time to find the next Jordy is now.