Time was on the Packers’ side as they defeated the Panthers

The Packers improved to 7-8 after winning 33-30 at Carolina during their afternoon game on Christmas Eve.

Carolina got the ball first and went nowhere. The Packers were efficient on offense in the first half, scoring touchdowns on their first 2 possessions, then a field goal and a touchdown on their next 2 drives and took a 23-10 lead into halftime. Although they didn’t give up the lead, they allowed Carolina to tie the game, but Jordan Love led the team down the field for a game-winning field goal by Anders Carlson. The Panthers ran out of time and were unable to spike the ball for a potential tying field goal.

Thoughts about this win:

The Packers were very efficient on offense to start the game. They got their running game going with Aaron Jones breaking off some nice runs. That made things easier for Jordan Love, who had some timely throws. He even ran it in for a touchdown on the Packers’ second possession of the game.

The Packers were playing without Christian Watson and Jayden Reed, but that just gives the other young talent a chance to shine. Tucker Kraft should get the ball in his hands as much as possible. This offense is also much better when Aaron Jones is in the lineup. Let’s hope the other receivers come back very soon. We will need as many healthy bodies as possible these next 2 games.

The special teams for both GB and Carolina were less than stellar. The Packers had to stop the Panthers twice on Carolina’s opening drive because Lukas Van Ness committed a personal foul for roughing the kicker on their punt. Fortunately, the Packers were able to stop Carolina but got the ball in worse field position than before. Carlson missed an extra point after the Packers’ second touchdown, and Carolina’s kicker missed 2 extra points, including the second where they had a 2-point conversion wiped away via a penalty.

Despite the win, the problems on defense have not been addressed. Carolina scored 30 points for the first time this season and tied the game late with a touchdown and a 2-point conversion. Fortunately, the Packers were able to move the ball down the field and kick the game-winning field goal. Even after that, the Panthers were able to complete a few 22-yard passes, including the first one which stopped the clock since he was able to get out of bounds. Had they been able to spike the ball in time, they would have had a shot at a 48-yard field goal. Thankfully, that didn’t happen.

Despite their flaws, the Packers got the victory. They still have an outside chance at a wild card if they win these next 2 games. The Detroit Lions clinched their first division title since 1993 by winning at Minnesota. Speaking of the Vikings, the Packers travel there for a Sunday night game next week. Both teams have plenty of flaws, so it could go either way. In the meantime, have a great week Packer fans and enjoy this wonderful time of the year!

Go Pack Go!

@DieHardPackersFan #DHPF #GregGoshaw @gg901