5 ways Packers can bounce back in Week 10 vs. Panthers

Pressure Kyle Allen

With the Panthers placing Cam Newton on injured reserve, Kyle Allen will again get the start at quarterback. And once again, the 49ers set the blueprint for how to shut down this offense. And as is often the case to succeed on defense, it starts with being able to rush the passer consistently.

San Francisco dominated Carolina when the two teams met in Week 8. Not only did the 49ers run the ball effectively, but they also put Allen under constant pressure. The 49ers defense finished with seven sacks and nine quarterback hits. They also had six passes defended.

Allen threw 37 times but finished with just 158 passing yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions.

The Packers have the pass rush to make it happen. Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith have combined for 16.5 sacks in nine games. Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine will be hoping for more contributions for the other edge rushers as the season goes on, but the Smith Bros. are understandably playing the majority of the snaps.

Generating a consistent pass rush will only be possible if the Packers can hold their own in run defense. Stopping Christian McCaffrey completely is close to impossible, but they’ll need to prevent him from dominating the game.