NFL3 hours ago2 minute read

Packers Hold Off Panthers in Eventful Thursday Night Contest

Green Bay beats Carolina 27-19 behind Jordan Love's strong play against the blitz and a wild night at Lambeau Field.

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Chaos and Control at Lambeau

The Green Bay Packers picked up a 27-19 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night at Lambeau Field. It was a strange evening in Wisconsin. A drone briefly halted play, and Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff paraded the World Series trophy across the field.

Green Bay receiver Christian Watson went to the hospital in an ambulance during the second quarter to be evaluated for a chest injury. He had already gained 100 receiving yards before leaving. Watson returned to the stadium in the third quarter and caught a 13-yard pass to a massive ovation.

Love Burns the Blitz

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young spent most of the night under heavy pressure. He was pressured on nearly half his dropbacks, suffered six sacks, and threw an interception to Green Bay linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper. Young finished with 22 completions on 39 attempts for 200 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

On the other side, Jordan Love shredded Carolina when they tried to send extra pass rushers. Love completed his first nine passes against the blitz and finished 13 for 14 for 119 yards and two touchdowns against it. Carolina running back Chuba Hubbard offered some relief with 119 total yards and a touchdown, but it was not enough.

Kicking Troubles and Defensive Plays

Green Bay rookie kicker Trey Smack struggled again, missing an extra point off the left upright. It was his eighth missed kick of the year, which leads the NFL.

Hopper continued to step up for injured linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, breaking up three passes in the first half along with his interception. The win pushes Green Bay to 5-3, while Carolina drops to 3-4 on the season.

What it means for the next game

Denver Broncos at Carolina Panthers (NFL, Sun, 08 Nov): Carolina Panthers win 42%, Denver Broncos win 58%; projected score Carolina Panthers 21, Denver Broncos 25. Our safest pick: Broncos +4.5.

Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots (NFL, Sun, 08 Nov): New England Patriots win 58%, Green Bay Packers win 42%; projected score New England Patriots 26, Green Bay Packers 21. Our safest pick: Patriots +4.