1st Quarter
RECAP: The Panthers have controlled the football for most of the game and DeShaun Foster is running surprisingly well against one of the league’s better defense. However, the Packers still lead 7-3 behind Tramon Williams’ 94-yard punt return for a TD. Carolina’s field goal was set up a 43-yard reception by Drew Carter.
BIG PLAY: Julius Peppers blocked a Mason Crosby field goal to keep the game scoreless and offset Vinny Testaverde’s interception on the first possession.
BIG MISTAKE: John Fox’s conservative play call – calling for Kasay to quick punt instead of a 52-yard field goal – resulted in a 94-yard punt return for a touchdown by Williams.
COMMENT: The Panthers came into the game ranked 28th in offense and are without Steve Smith. The question coming into this game was not if the Panthers will win, but if they will score. They did, behind a
SCORE: Green Bay 7, Carolina 3
2nd Quarter
RECAP: The Packers, who came into the game ranked first in the league, have found their passing game. Favre connects on a 47-yard strike to Donald Driver. That sets up a 4-yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings. Favre later connects on a 26-yard touchdown strike with tight end Donald Lee.
BIG PLAY: On a third-and-3 at the Carolina 17, Favre hits James Jones on a crossing route for a 13-yard gain. That sets up Favre’s touchdown pass to Jennings, giving the Panthers an 11-point lead.
BIG MISTAKE: The Panthers marched down the field to the Green Bay 7 with 16 seconds left in the half, but Testaverde held on to the ball too long and Corey Williams sacked him and jarred the ball loose. Still, it looked like Williams clobbered Testaverde in the head, although officials did not make the call. Aaron Kampman jumped on the loose ball as the Packers thwarted the drive to take a 21-3 lead into the half.
COMMENT: Well, with the Panthers facing an 18-point deficit, it’s hard to imagine this one getting much closer in the second half. At least we get to see a little of Dwayne Jarrett, who isn’t playing all that bad.
SCORE: Green Bay 21, Carolina 3