In the lead up to this game we said two things had to happen for the Panthers defense to contain Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The secondary had to make plays and the defensive line had to get pressure. They did both in this critical victory.
First consider that the top 4 tacklers for the Panthers defense all played in the secondary. Safety Kurt Coleman led the team with ten tackles and a pass knocked down. Cornerback Daryl Worley had seven combined tackles and another interception to go with the one he got last week.
Cornerback James Bradberry was not be out done. He also had seven tackles and an interception, but also forced a critical fumble to end the Packers hopes of tying the game late in the 4th quarter. Safety Mike Adams added six tackles and he came up with the critical fumble recovery. Hell, even embattled nickel safety Colin Jones had an interception of Rodgers...a nifty one I might add. Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn might find himself inactive yet again next Sunday based on how well the secondary played without him.
PFF agrees, giving Jones the highest grade on the day for the Panthers:
Refocused: Carolina Panthers 31, Green Bay Packers 24 | NFL Analysis | Pro Football Focus
S COLIN JONES, 87.0 OVERALL GRADE
Jones was all over the field and made a big impact whenever he was targeted in coverage. Jones took advantage of an an Aaron Rodgers under-throw up the seam, hauling in a key interception. Jones did a good job of eliminating run after the catch opportunities, allowing just five yards and two receptions on his four targets in coverage.
Cornerback James Bradberry was also given props for his performance:
CB JAMES BRADBERRY, 83.4 OVERALL GRADE
Bradberry was solid throughout the game, as he was targeted 11 times and allowed just six catches for 61 yards and also notched an interception. He made the key play of the game late in the fourth quarter with the Packers driving to tie it up, punching out a Gernomo Allison reception with Mike Adams coming over to recover the fumble and seal the game.
Here’s more from PFF Elite regarding the Panthers other young cornerback Daryl Worley:
Cornerback Daryl Worley allowed a passer rating of 45.2. He gave up five catches on seven passes into his coverage for 39 yards and an interception. His overall grade of 78.5 ranked 27th among cornerbacks.
More of a mixed bag, but Worley played well and made plays when he had the opportunity. Just as important he kept plays in front of him.
Last but not least let’s give props to the pass rush that forced Rusty Rodgers into some bad throws:
The Panthers had Rodgers rattled when they sent a blitz. On his 30 dropbacks against the blitz, Rodgers completed 18 of 28 passes for 205 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions with a passer rating of 58.5. On the 15 dropbacks the Panthers forced pressure, Rodgers completed four of 12 passes for 45 yards and two interceptions with a passer rating of 5.9.
The defense wasn’t without it’s miscues but anytime you can pick off a future hall of famer three times in a game it’s an achievement. I don’t care how rusty he is. So congrats to defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, well done.