The Carolina Panthers travel to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers in the most important game to date in 2019. The team as a whole needs to play at a high level, but here’s the matchups that matter most.
Donte Jackson vs. Davante Adams/Marquez Valdes-Scantling
James Bradberry has sat out practice this week with a groin injury, putting his status Sunday in doubt. Even if he plays, the young athlete Donte Jackson likely faces his biggest test of the season. Jackson is the fastest defensive back on this Panthers roster and arguably has the highest ceiling for creating interceptions and pass deflections, and he faces an elite Davante Adams along with Valdes-Scantling. With Aaron Rodgers throwing the football, every defensive back on this team needs to be on high alert. I expect Jackson to be very aggressive on Sunday, whether that’s a good or bad thing remains to be seen.
Dontari Poe vs. Corey Linsley/Billy Turner
The Panthers currently lead the league in sacks, and the spotlight shines on guys like Brian Burns, Bruce Irvin, and other blitzing defenders for that production. However, a surging Gerald McCoy alongside a resurgence of Dontari Poe in the middle of the defensive line has allowed the athletes around them to thrive and get after the quarterback, and be aggressive in their run pursuit. This week, Dontari Poe helping collapse the pocket and control the point of attack will be pivotal in a cold game against a team willing to run the football. Aaron Rodgers will also use his athleticism to navigate the pocket and extend plays to get the ball down the field. If Poe and McCoy can really dominate that interior, it’ll be tough sledding for Rodgers.
Greg Olsen vs. Darnell Savage
Packers safety Adrian Amos hasn’t practiced all week, meaning he will either play without being 100 percent or will sit out. Darnell Savage as a rookie has seen an up and down year, which gives Carolina an opportunity to capitalize down the middle of the field. Greg Olsen hasn’t quite seen his high end performances since Weeks 2 or 3 of this season, but that could change on Sunday. Against a Packers team that’ll likely make Kyle Allen throw the football, Olsen could be the x-factor moving the chains and in the red zone.
Taylor Moton/Dennis Daley vs. Za’Darius Smith/Preston Smith
The Packers sport a dominant group of outside linebackers, with 16.5 sacks between the two. Moton and Daley have both faced high end rushers, but they really only saw two of those at the same time against the San Francisco 49ers, and that DID NOT turn out well. Protecting Kyle Allen and keeping the pocket clean will be paramount, as Allen looks to take another step forward in his week-to-week development. If he is forced to check down to Christian McCaffrey too often due to pass rush, this offense will not succeed.
What matchups are you watching, Panthers fans?