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The Carolina Panthers got back on track with a win against the Tennessee Titans and hope to keep it going versus the Green Bay Packers in Week 10.
The Panthers made the announcement the quarterback Cam Newton will be sidelined for the rest of the 2019 NFL season as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury. Regardless, they still find themselves in control of their own playoff destiny at 5-3 heading into the second half of the year.
Trying to secure a victory in Green Bay is certainly no easy task, especially since they are desperate to get back into the win column following a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 9. Regardless, there is still good reason for Carolina to be optimistic about their chances.
Here are four reasons why the Panthers will emerge victorious over the Packers.
1. Christian McCaffrey
Running back Christian McCaffrey is currently in the midst of a spectacular MVP campaign that has seen him generate 1,244 scrimmage yards and 13 total touchdowns through the first eight games of the year. Although it is no secret that he is the focal point of their offensive game plan, trying to contain McCaffrey is much easier said than done since he is just as effective in the passing game as he is in the run game.
The Packers defense proved to be quite vulnerable to the run during their loss against the Chargers after giving up 159 yards on the ground. The Panthers would love nothing more than to let McCaffrey run loose while effectively keeping quarterback Aaron Rodgers off the field.
2. Generating Pressure On Aaron Rodgers
Simply keeping Rodgers off the field will not be enough to secure a victory on the road since he has proven more than capable of taking advantage of his limited opportunities in crunch time. They will need to make him feel uncomfortable by generating as much pressure as possible in order to prevent him from finding his rhythm.
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Fortunately, this happens to be the Panthers' forte on defense as they currently lead the league with 34 sacks on the year. They will also be welcoming back a key piece of their pass rush with defensive end Mario Addison after he missed last week's win while dealing with the fatal shooting of his brother.
3. Limit Davante Adams
Wide receiver Davante Adams was able to make his return last week after being sidelined with a toe injury he suffered in Week 4. Despite still serving as the No. 1 option in the passing game, he is admittedly still working his way back to 100 percent after hauling in seven receptions for just 41 yards.
It remains to be seen whether or not shutdown cornerback James Bradberry will be available for the Carolina defense while dealing with a groin injury he picked up against Tennessee. Regardless, their hounding pass rush and Adams' current health should still be enough to limit Rodgers' opportunities to find his favorite wideout.
4. Statement Time For Carolina
There has been plenty of speculation regarding the Panthers' status as a true playoff contender, however, they have a chance to make quite a statement over the next few weeks with road matchups against Green Bay and the New Orleans Saints. Playing in such hostile environments can be a difficult task for any young quarterback like Allen still trying to find their footing as a starter.
This could be his opportunity to show that he is more than capable of taking over under center as a long-term option now that Newton has been sidelined for the rest of the season. Carolina has a chance to put themselves in a position to potentially take control of the NFC South if they can pull out a win in Week 10.
