Packers vs. Panthers: Tale of the tape for Week 10 matchup
Offenses
Packers
Like Rodgers, the Packers offense has been playing very well as of late, with the exception of the game in Los Angeles. Let’s assume that was just a little case of not being focused. I’m fully expecting Matt LaFleur will get this team locked back in and performing how they were the past few weeks.
The offensive line had just a disastrous game last week, allowing three sacks, but gave up a lot of pressures to the Chargers’ pass rush. Other than that game, the Packers have been solid in pass protection this year. According to Football Outsiders, they have an adjusted sack rate of 5.9 percent, good for 10th in the league.
The Packers still boast one of the best running back duos in the NFL with Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. They are a terrific 1-2 punch in the running game and are both threats in the passing game too.
The addition of Adams is much needed. Marquez Valdes-Scantling is the leading receiver for the Packers and most of those yards are on big plays that only happen a few times a game. Allen Lazard really has been the most consistent receiver on this team while Adams has been gone. Otherwise, Rodgers has utilized the running backs and tight ends a lot. Hopefully, Adams will make this potent offense even more dangerous.
Panthers
The Panthers have probably the most dangerous player in the game right now. Christian McCaffrey is getting some MVP love, and rightfully so. He’s been tearing it up, no matter how his team is playing. He has 881 rushing yards and 363 receiving yards this year. He has a combined 13 touchdowns, leading the league. McCaffrey did leave the last game with a knee injury. He is expected to play, but you have to wonder how effective he’ll be with that injury and the cold weather.
Carolina’s offensive line hasn’t held up the best in pass protection this year. According to Football Outsiders, the Panthers’ line is ranked 18th with an 7.4 percent adjusted sack rate, allowing 22 sacks on the season. Hopefully, the Smiths will be able to get some pressure on the quarterback and make life hard for this offense.
The leading receiver for the Panthers is D.J. Moore. Moore has 564 yards and a touchdown. Behind him is Curtis Samuel, who has 407 yards and three touchdowns. What I’m worried about is Greg Olsen. He has 331 yards and a pair of touchdowns. With the way tight ends have been gashing this Packers defense, I think Olsen could continue that trend and give the Packers some problems.
I think the Packers offense gets back on track, and the weather will favor them too.