The trend in the last couple of games, and even most of the season, has been slow starts and strong finishes for the Carolina Panthers.  Although the Panthers were able to overcome poor first quarters against the Cardinals and Lions, they were unable to dig themselves out of their first quarter holes in their games against Tampa Bay and Atlanta.  I totally agree with John Fox when he said he would much rather have his team start slow and finish fast than the other way around, but the Panthers need to come out with some initiative against the Packers up in Green Bay.

Keys to the Game
1. Get out to a Quick Lead- There is no doubt in my mind that Jake Delhomme and the offense are intent on improving on their lethargic starts that have occurred in the last few games.  If Carolina can march down the field and quickly go up 7-0, that will allow them to fall back to their bread and butter style of play: pounding the rock with Williams and Stewart, chewing up clock, and keeping the ball out of Green Bay’s hands.  That lead also allows the defense to get comfortable and know that they have a seven point cushion to work with.  A fast start is absolutely key to for a Panthers win, which will keep them atop the division.
2. Come out Throwing- I know DeAngelo Williams is red hot right now, going up against a Green Bay defense that ranks 26th against the rush, but offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson needs to come out with some different play calls on the first drive other than two poor runs and an incomplete pass.  Whether it’s a screen or a smoke route to Smitty or Moose, the offense needs to get some momentum going with the passing game first and then set up the run, because runs on first and second down to start the opening possession is exactly what Green Bay will be looking for.
3. Tackle Better- Suddenly the defense seems to be playing two-hand touch rather than tackle football, something that was painfully evident last week against Atlanta, where numerous plays, particularity the 69 yard, game icing touchdown, could have been stopped for minimal games had the defense tackled better.  I don’t know if it has been just a lack of concentration or just a few bad outings, but the defense needs to get back to the level they were playing at earlier in the season.
Because of the way the Panthers finished the game last week in Atlanta, mainly the offense, I think they will break out of their slump today against a struggling Packers team that got whooped up on by New Orleans on Monday night.  A convincing win on the road, in Green Bay, will go a long way in jump-starting the team for a late season run.

As far as injuries go, the only player that is out for Sunday’s game is linebacker Adam Seward.  Jonathan Stewart is listed as probable with the same heel injury that has been bothering him the past couple of weeks.  It’s pretty amazing put outside of those two players, knock on wood, everyone else is totally healthy.

Other Game to Keep and Eye on: Saints at Bucs- If the Bucs loose today and Carolina wins, the Panthers will have an opportunity to lock up the division with a win against Tampa next Monday.
Panthers 24, Packers 20

Tags: atlanta, packers, panthers