3 keys to victory for the Panthers at Packers in Week 15
By Dean Jones
Follow the Vikings’ blueprint
As stated previously, there isn’t much any team in the NFL can do to stop the Green Bay offense. So keeping quarterback Aaron Rodgers off the field for as long as possible is going to be a pivotal battle that the Carolina Panthers have to win.
The best way to accomplish this is by examining the film from the Minnesota Vikings‘ impressive win over the Packers earlier this season. Mike Zimmer’s men were 1-5 going into the game after their bye week and managed to completely turn around their fortunes to secure a shock 28-22 victory over an NFC North rival.
Although the Panthers will not have anything like the same time to prepare on a short week, they should try and install the same philosophies.
Running the football well with Mike Davis is key.
As is controlling the line of scrimmage and the clock.
Teddy Bridgewater comes in the game on the back of more pressure than he’s probably ever experienced during his career. The quarterback is running out of time to win people around and a poor end to the campaign might result in Carolina looking at alternative options for their long-term player under center.
Bridgewater needs to stop trying to be so cute pre-snap, which also means Joe Brady getting plays in a lot quicker. There are going to be fans in the stands at Lambeau Field and although it won’t be full, it will be a hostile environment that won’t be aided by the weather.