Packers vs Panthers: Previews & Predictions

[brennan1884]

Their run defense is garbage....well come out trying to control the time of posession, and stuff it down their throats, then when we got em worn down favre will go over their heads

 

[TheKanataThrilla]

OK who is the idiot that said Panthers by 10 or more? I'd never tell someone to give up booze, but seriously....

 

[Zombieslayer]

JSOnline:

McCarthy said Carolina plays the most man-to-man defense of any team the Packers have faced to date. . . .

It'll be interesting to see this matchup. I'm expecting a lot of 4/5 WR sets.

Yeah. I'm really looking forward to this especially. op:

 

[Zombieslayer]

OK who is the idiot that said Panthers by 10 or more? I'd never tell someone to give up booze, but seriously....

No, I doubt they've been drinking. My guess? Sniffing glue.

 

[pack_in_black]

OK who is the idiot that said Panthers by 10 or more? I'd never tell someone to give up booze, but seriously....

No, I doubt they've been drinking. My guess? Sniffing glue.

You're both wrong. They've been drinking that purple Kool-Aid. (which has soured & REALLY started fermenting since last Sunday)

 

[Cubanpenguin]

Jeezuz that article just made Kampy's nickname.


You ready?


AK-74.


Get it? DAMMIT THAT IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!

I love that nickname, I've been calling him that since last season when he tore it up. During one of the games an announcer called him that and it stuck, I love it

 

[IronMan]

Packers 31
Panthers 0

 

[pack_in_black]

yahoo! link

QB Vinny Testaverde to start for Panthers; WR Steve Smith questionable



CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Quarterback Vinny Testaverde will start Sunday for the Carolina Panthers against the Green Bay Packers.

Coach John Fox chose the 44-year-old Testaverde over a healthy David Carr, but declined to name him the permanent starter for the Panthers (4-5). Both Carr and Testaverde are 1-2 this season as the starter.

"He had a good week of practice and was able to get through the week, and I think that's good for him and good for us," Fox said Friday.

It's unclear if Testaverde will have his top offensive option, wide receiver Steve Smith, who is listed as questionable after missing his third straight practice Friday with a shin contusion. Fox said Smith will be a game-time decision.

Also on the injury report: defensive tackle Damione Lewis (shoulder) was questionable; cornerback Ken Lucas (hip), running back DeShaun Foster (toe) and safety Deke Cooper (shoulder) were probable.

Good times for the Death Squad and thier KGB standard AK-74

 

[vikesrule]

OK who is the idiot that said Panthers by 10 or more? I'd never tell someone to give up booze, but seriously....

:shrug:

 

[IronMan]

OK who is the idiot that said Panthers by 10 or more? I'd never tell someone to give up booze, but seriously....

:shrug:

LOL My wild guess was right.

 

[DarkaneRules]

Haha! I must say I love having the couple vikings fans we do have here. Good fun I say!

 

[TOPHAT]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/intel?gameId=271118009

The Carolina Panthers have underachieved and have their backs against the wall in Week 11. The Green Bay Packers have overachieved with one of the youngest rosters in the league but impressive experienced leadership at key positions. The Panthers have struggled to find an offense after losing their starting quarterback and a once-excellent 1-2 punch of a ground attack with Foster and Williams has been hampered by defenses stacking the line of scrimmage. The once highly-regarded Carolina defense hasn't shown up often in 2007, but it still has the players to put up an impressive showing. The bottom line is these are two clubs that are moving in opposite directions with Carolina looking for an identity and Green Bay establishing itself as a powerhouse in the NFC.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/scou...irect=http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/scouting

While the Packers are on a roll and have established themselves as one of the best clubs in the NFL, the Panthers are struggling to find answers to a disappointing season. With the loss of veteran QB Jake Delhomme to injury and the health of backup David Carr in question lately Carolina has struggled to score points. Green Bay, meanwhile, has opened up a big lead in the NFC Central and is currently tied with Dallas in the race for home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. This should be an interesting game between teams headed in opposite directions.


op: op: op: 8) 8) 8)

 

[TOPHAT]

PACKERSNEWS.COM POLL

http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage

Packersnews.com Poll:

Packers win by 10 points or more/win close one 96%

:yeah: mg: :USA: :agree: mg:

 

[TOPHAT]

PACKERSNEWS.COM: MATCHUPS

http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071117/PKR01/71116123/1058/PKRFeatures

Scouting report: Packers clearly the better team


Packers run offense vs. Panthers run defense

Can the Packers’ Ryan Grant string together back-to-back 100-yard efforts? It would appear so, since the Panthers’ run defense is not in the same league as the Vikings. Edge: Packers.

Panthers run offense vs. Packers run defense

Carolina’s duo of DeAngelo Williams and DeShaun Foster are OK, but Green Bay’s run defense played well last week against Minnesota. Edge: Packers.

Packers pass offense vs. Panthers pass defense

Carolina has a fine pair of corners in Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble, but Green Bay’s receivers, bolstered by the return of Koren Robinson, has the Packers passing game on top of the league. Edge: Packers.

Panthers pass offense vs. Packers pass defense

Steve Smith is an incredible talent but the Panthers have 44-year old Vinny Testeverde at quarterback when only three weeks ago he was sitting at home. Amazingly, Testervede is still an upgrade over David Carr, but that won’t matter against the Packers. Edge: Packers.

Special teams

Mason Crosby continues to play exceptional in his rookie season and Charles Woodson is an underrated punt returner. Carolina is below average in all facets of their special teams. Edge: Packers.

Coaching

The Panthers, with good talent on both sides of the ball, are struggling in John Fox’s sixth season as head coach. Mike McCarthy has the Packers at 8-1 and in line for NFC home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Edge: Packers.

Intangibles

Green Bay owns a 5-3 advantage over Carolina in the regular seaso, including a playoff win in the NFC Championship in 1997. Edge: Packers.

Overall

The only way this is a close game is if the Packers get infected with fumbilitis. Anything less than that and it’s a solid win in the 10-14 point range. Edge: Packers.

 

[Yared-Yam]

On paper this is the easiest game of the year up until now.

It should translate and I expect another dominant win.

Packers 37
Panthers 16

 

[TOPHAT]

OUTSTANDING FINAL PREVEWS: JSONLINE, PN, & WSJ

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=687105

VIEWS OF THE GAME

McGINN: If Julius Peppers decides to turn it up this week, he could give gimpy Mark Tauscher or his backup fits and slow down the Packers. But in the end, Brett Favre should find ways to throw over a slow set of safeties. If Jake Delhomme was playing, this would have the makings of an upset special. But he isn't.

SILVERSTEIN: As long as the Packers decide not to celebrate Thanksgiving early and play as though they have something to gain, they'll have no problem dispatching the Panthers. Scoring won't be easy against a reasonably tough defense, but if the Packers can't stop Vinny Testaverde or David Carr they're not the team they appear to be. Packers 21, Panthers 10.

BEDARD: The Packers have every reason to lay the proverbial egg in this game with two big matchups against the Lions and Cowboys coming up. But this team has shown a focus and resiliency like few others. Packers 30, Panthers 10.

HUNT: There will be a trap-door game for the Packers, but this isn't it./b] Carolina wins only if the Packers turn the ball over four or more times or somebody wakes Vinny Testaverde up from his afternoon nap. Packers many, Panthers few.

NICKEL: This will be a really good test for the Packers offensive line, which is still playing musical chairs. If Steve Smith can go, that'll also be a good matchup, especially if the Panthers try to test brand new starter Aaron Rouse. But really, there is no way the Packers should lose this game. Packers 28, Panthers 14.
__________________________________________________________________________

http://www.mytvisonfire.com/packersnation/?p=2435

Quarterbacks-Advantage Packers

On Sunday a new record will occur. On Sunday the two QBs playing will be the two oldest QBs to ever play in one game. While both QBs are getting older Brett Favre is still playing well. Brett Favre is having a great season. He is playing just as good as he did during his MVP seasons. While Vinny is pretty well for his age he is not playing nearly as good as Brett is this year.

Running Backs-Draw

After the last couple weeks I have become a believer in Ryan Grant. While he isn’t a great RB he is a nice contributor to the team. At this point I believe he is equal to DeShawn Foster and the rest of the Panther’s RBs.

Fullback-Draw

At this point I believe Brad Hoover and Korey Hall are pretty much equal.

Wide Receiver-Advantage Packers

The Packers have one of the best WR crews in the entire NFL. The Packers have 3 great receivers plus a good 4th and 5th WR. When the Packers go into a five receiver set it is pretty much impossible to defend. The Packers need to worry about Steve Smith though. He should be slowed down with his injury though. While Steve Smith is good he doesn’t even compare witht he depth in the Packers WR corps.

Tight Ends-Advantage Packers

Donald Lee has really stepped up this season. He has shown this year that he can make the big play and also contribute in the short pass game. Lee is becoming one of the better TE’s in the league. Meanwhile the Panthers have Jeff King who isn’t that good.

Offensive Line-Draw
I believe both offensive lines are equal. The Packer’s offensive line has really improved the last couple of games. Mike Wahle gets to return to Lambeau Field on Sunday as the best offensive lineman on the Panther’s team.

Defensive Line-Advantage Packers

The Packers have one of the best defensive lines in the league. Aaron Kampman is having a Pro Bowl season and Corey Williams has really picked up his play recently. The Packers depth is great this year and it gives the Packers a huge advantage going into the fourth quarter. Meanwhile the Panthers defensive line is really aging. Julius Peppers is their best defensive lineman but he has been struggling so far this season.

Linebackers-Advantage Packers

Once again the Packers have an advantage at LB. Nick Barnett makes several plays every game. Aj Hawk might not make a ton of plays but he also doesn’t make any mistakes. Meanwhile the Panthers’ LBs are really weak.

Cornerbacks-Advantage Packers

The Packers have one of the best CB tandems in the league. Al Harris and Charles Woodson are shut down corners. They might get a lot of penalties but it is made up by not giving up any big plays. Meanwhile the Panthers CBs are nothing special.

Safeties-Draw

At this point neither team has great safeties. Both teams have really young safeties that have a long way to grow. Nick Collins will miss the game so Aaron Rouse will start once again. Hopefully he has another good performance like last week.

Keys to the Game:

Don’t Fall Into A Trap Game-The Packers are a better team and should win the game. The Packers can’t look past the game towards the Lions game or they will lose the game. Even though the Packers are a better team they can’t get soft or they will lose.

Stop Steve Smith- [if he plays-questionable] While Steve Smith has struggled the last couple of weeks the Packers need to watch out for him. One big game by Steve Smith and the Packers could easily lose. Steve Smith is prone to having big games and hopefully it won’t be this week.

Prediction: Packers 27 Panthers 7

http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/sports//index.php?ntid=257528

Packers: Game breakdown, prediction

A quick read on Sunday's Packers-Panthers game at Lambeau Field:

WHEN THE PACKERS HAVE THE BALL

Former Packers defensive line coach Mike Trgovac, who was on Ray Rhodes' staff in 1999 with Mike McCarthy, runs a multiple-look 4-3 defense that's led by what had been one of the NFL's best front fours. Problem is, star end Julius Peppers is having an off year with just 1 1/2 sacks. The other end, Mike Rucker, isn't fully back from major knee surgery, and tackle Kris Jenkins, the older brother of Packers end Cullen Jenkins, isn't the dominant player he used to be, either. At linebacker, with Dan Morgan (Achilles' tendon) out, rookie Jon Beason now starts in the middle and ex-Packer Na'il Diggs starts on the weak side. The strength of the defense is corner, where Ken Lucas, Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall are a very good trio. All that said, the Packers have the NFL's No. 1 passing offense for a reason, and Carolina comes in ranked 27th against the pass. Green Bay unveiled a five-wide receiver set last week, with Koren Robinson and Ruvell Martin joining Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and James Jones. Look for more of it Sunday. Adavantage: Green Bay.

WHEN THE PANTHERS HAVE THE BALL

The Packers spent the week unsure of whether Vinny Testaverde or David Carr would start, but their approach was simple: It doesn't really matter. The Panthers rely on their running game, with DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams sharing the load. Meanwhile, the go-to guy in the passing game is clearly Steve Smith (45 receptions, 590 yards, six touchdowns), while Keary Colbert and Drew Carter are the Nos. 2 and 3 wideouts. Tight end Jeff King (32 receptions, 316 yards, one TD) is the team's second-leading receiver and, given the Packers' struggles defending the tight end, could be a factor. The Packers are coming off their first shutout since 2002 and are ranked third in the NFL in scoring defense, having allowed just 142 points through nine games. Advantage: Green Bay.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Panthers kicker John Kasay remains solid on field goals, but punter Jason Baker and rookie return man Ryne Robinson are nothing to write home about. Neither are the Panthers' coverage teams. As a result, this could be the week Koren Robinson provides the lift to the kickoff return game, the coaches have been hoping for. Robinson has returned four kickoffs for a 20.5 average, with his longest being a 32-yarder. However, if the Packers' defense doesn't allow any points, Robinson will spend his special teams time today like he spent last Sunday's — watching. Advantage: Green Bay.

INTANGIBLES

Coaches can't stand the term "trap game," because it implies that players don't get up for every game. Truth is, though, that they don't, and it's incumbent on the coaches to make sure they're not trapped. And if there was ever a pitfall game for the Packers, this is it. With a Thanksgiving date with the Detroit Lions on Thursday and a possible NFC Championship Game preview at Dallas on Nov. 29, there's plenty of reason to look ahead. But McCarthy won't allow it. Advantage: Green Bay.

PREDICTION

Carolina is a tough team to figure out. Before losing their past three, the Panthers were somehow leading the NFC South despite losing quarterback Jake Delhomme and their defense not playing up to its usual standards. But after falling to the going-nowhere Atlanta Falcons last week, they seem on the verge of calling it a season. Still, it's a game that should make the green-and-gold crowd nervous. The guess here is it won't be pretty, but it'll be enough. Packers 24, Panthers 10.

:yeah: mg: :USA: :agree: mg:

 

[packedhouse01]

The coaching staff has done a great job of keeping this team focused. But the biggest thing for them is that they coach players to be better. I think back of the Sherman and Rhoads era and the truth be known, players just didn't improve much.

 

[TOPHAT]

FINAL PREVIEW COMMENTARIES

http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/story/2007/11/18/0544/1200

Questions About Carolina

What's it like to have a starting quarterback who's actually older than Brett Favre?

Favre on the other hand has been fun to watch, even for us non-Packer fans. The guy has moxie and is never afraid to sling the rock. And he's always having fun. I love it.

Does the offense really miss Jake Delhomme or would there be problems even if he hadn't gotten hurt?

The offense really misses Jake but what we are starting to realize is this team is still no better than 8-8 even if Jake was playing.

What is the major difference between the Panthers' defense in 2007 compared to 2006?

It's a combination of Mike Rucker no longer being a sack threat and the defensive scheme relying too much on the front four to put pressure on the QB. Kris Jenkins occasionally gets some pressure but otherwise it's up to Peppers. They aren't getting the job done but the Panther brass has been slow to adjust. Favre will probably eat up the Panther secondary and should be sipping pints of brew by the 4th quarter.

The Packers really missed Mike Wahle in 2005 after he signed with Carolina before that season. How is he playing in 2007 and has he been a good signing for Carolina?

It's hard for me to evaluate individual linemen but I would say he has played well and is probably our best o-lineman. Outside of RG Jeremy Bridges two-game suspension to start the season the line has stayed intact the whole season yet it really hasn't been a strength. The running game started out strong but has withered as teams stack the box because they no longer fear the Panther passing attack. The offense scored 7 against the Titans and 6 against the Falcons. The Packers should post back-to-back shutouts.

http://www.mercurynews.com/49ers/ci_7497753?nclick_check=1

CAROLINA AT GREEN BAY 10 a.m. Ch. 2 Ch. 35

Favorite: Packers by 9 1/2

Game notes: The Packers have found just enough of a running game to be scary. The Panthers are struggling with quarterback injuries, among other factors. Panthers injuries: DTDamione Lewis (shoulder) and WR Steve Smith (shin) are questionable. Packers injuries: CB Will Blackmon (foot), S Nick Collins (knee) and TE Bubba Franks (knee) are out. LB Tracy White (ankle) is doubtful.

http://packerfansunited.blogspot.com/2007/11/pack-favored-by-10.html

Pack favored by 10

Going into Sunday's game at Lambeau versus Carolina, the Packers are currently favored by 10 points. That's a LOT of points. On the other hand, we thought 6 points was a big spread against the ViQueens. So much for that idea. Another statistical tidbit: with Vinny Testaverde named the starter for Sunday's game, this game will see the oldest combination of starting quarterbacks ever in an NFL game. Vinny is 44 and Brett is 38. Who held the previous record? Vinny (a-duh) as a spry 43-year-old about a month ago and that young whipper snapper, 36-year-old Kurt Warner for Arizona. Birthdays have recently edged both Vinny and Brett into this heretofore unseen stratosphere of...I'm sorry...the hyperbole started to run rampant there for second. Anyway, you'll be watching history. Of course, as Packer fans, we do that every week that Brett Favre plays.

http://blogs.jsonline.com/packers/archive/2007/11/16/get-your-rockers-ready-vinny-to-start.aspx

Get your rockers ready: Vinny to start

It's official: the oldest starting quarterback matchup in NFL history will take place Sunday as Carolina Panthers coach John Fox announced today that Vinny Testaverde will start against the Green Bay Packers. Testaverde turned 44 on Tuesday. Brett Favre is 38. The previous record was set Oct. 14 when the then-43-year-old Testaverde faced off against Arizona's 36-year-old Kurt Warner, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Also, Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith missed his third straight practice with a shin injury. He's listed as questionable on the team injury report.

http://www.packernet.com

PACKERNET.COM POLL:

Is there any chance the Packers overlook the offensively challenged Panthers next Sunday?

No, Mike McCarthy has the team playing them one at a time. - 69%


:twocents: :cross: :agree: mg: :USA: :yeah:

 

[Cdnfavrefan]

I was on a Panther message board and it was quit funny. At least their not one of these lousy teams who don't think they are (see Vikesfan) Their prediction thread was basically Packers 100 000
Panthers 1. They said they gave them a pity point LOL