10 key takeaways from Panthers loss at the Packers in Week 15
By Dean Jones
The defense came on in the second half
After the Packers scored touchdowns on their first three possessions, the defense responded in a positive fashion to continue their impressive recent development. Yes, there are still plenty of holes that need to be filled. But few would argue that the nucleus isn’t now in place to build a formidable unit in the coming years.
Green Bay was forced into five consecutive punts at one stage, which is unheard of from the NFL’s highest-scoring team. Even though it didn’t end up with a win in the column for the Carolina Panthers, they can take great heart from the way each member of their defense stood up to be counted.
The Carolina Panthers kept fighting
There is just no quit in this team.
None.
Even when they were down 21-3, they kept on fighting, raising their game, and catching the Packers off-guard with a huge increase in tempo across the board. What the Panthers lack in genuine quality, they more than compensate for with effort on the field.
If this is a trend that continues moving forward, Carolina is going to be just fine.
Another final drive failure
Somehow, the Panthers got within a score on the final drive once again.
The same as every week, it seems.
And it was the same old result.
Carolina and Teddy Bridgewater are now 0-8 on game-winning drives this season. The quarterback will shoulder more of the blame, as always. But the offensive line crumbled when it mattered most once again to give them a further mountain to climb.