Green Bay Packers 2020 opponent preview: Carolina Panthers
The Packers held on for victory against the Panthers last season. They meet again in 2020.
The Green Bay Packers held firm on the goal line, stopping Christian McCaffrey on the one-yard line as time expired. It gave the Packers a huge victory over the Carolina Panthers in 2019, avoiding overtime by preventing a touchdown.
The Panthers will be a different team than in 2019 when they return to Lambeau Field this season.
So, what can we expect from the Packers’ NFC South opponents?
Last season
The Panthers entered the season with high hopes but lost their first two games. Cam Newton wouldn’t play again for the remainder of the year due to injury, making Kyle Allen the starter.
With Allen under center, the Panthers won four straight to improve to 4-2, but the good run wouldn’t last. They’d win just one more time in their final 10, losing eight in a row to end the season 5-11.
When is the game?
What we do know is that the Packers will host the Panthers in Week 15. What we don’t know is the exact date or time of the game. It will either be played on Saturday, Dec. 19 or Sunday, Dec. 20.
Offseason additions
After releasing former league MVP Cam Newton, the Panthers signed Teddy Bridgewater. They also signed free-agent wide receiver Robby Anderson. With Anderson joining McCaffrey, D.J. Moore, and Curtis Samuel, the Panthers offense will give Mike Pettine plenty to be concerned about when they visit Lambeau Field.
Carolina went all defense in the draft, first strengthening the front seven with its first two picks, defensive tackle Derrick Brown and defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos.
Last meeting with the Packers
November 10, 2019: Packers won 24-16 at Lambeau Field
Player to watch
Christian McCaffrey: McCaffrey was so good last season he was named a first-team All-Pro twice. He rushed for 1,387 yards and 15 touchdowns, while also adding 1,005 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Simply incredible.
McCaffrey had 141 all-purpose yards and a touchdown against Green Bay last season, but the Packers made the crucial goal-line stop when they needed to.
Green Bay’s defense will need to be ready in this game. McCaffrey is tough to stop but they can’t let him take over the game.