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 defenses. However, the Packers still lead 7-3 behind Tramon Williams’ 94-yard punt return for a TD off a failed pooch punt. Carolina’s field goal was set up by 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 – having Kasay pooch punt instead of going for 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 averaging nearly 300 yards through the air, are starting to get warmed up. 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. It looked like Testaverde got hit across the head by Williams, but the officials did not call a penalty. 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
3nd quarter
RECAP: The Packers get a 67-yard kickoff return from Koren Robinson to set up Favre’s third touchdown pass of the game the lead to 28-3. The Panthers aren’t giving up as Testaverde finds Christian Fauria for a touchdown.
BIG PLAY: Robinson’s return set the tone for the second half.
BIG MISTAKE: Testaverde turns the ball over for the third time on an interception. However, Packers kicker Mason Crosby misses another 49-yard field goal.
COMMENT: The Panthers are having a tough time covering the tight end as Donald Lee has two touchdowns.
SCORE: Green Bay 28, Carolina 10
4th quarter
RECAP: The Panthers showed some heart, scoring as Testaverde hit Drew Carter with a couple of late passes, including a 5-yard touchdown on a dig route. However, the Packers put the game away on a Crosby field goal.
BIG PLAY: Donald Driver recovers an on-side kick by Kasay with less than five minutes to play to prevent any type of a wild comeback by the Panthers.
BIG MISTAKE: Carolina’s last ditch effort comes up short when Jeff King is unable to haul in a pass from Testaverde on fourth-and-4.
COMMENT: The Panthers committed three turnovers and the Packers none. That was the difference in the game. Well, that and the Packers have superior talent.
SCORE: Green Bay 31, Carolina 17
By Steve Reed