The Carolina Panthers are getting rolled over by the Green Bay Packers tonight and trail 21-3 at halftime.
Here’s a quick review of how things went in the first two quarters.
Offense
Despite sputtering out of the gate, the Panthers had a chance to make this a one-possession game until Teddy Bridgewater fumbled the ball at the goal line, which led to a devastating two-score swing for Green Bay. Aside from a tough 37-yard catch for D.J. Moore, there simply wasn’t much to celebrate, here. Bridgewater has only completed 7 of his 15 throws and totaled 104 passing yards. The run game has been half decent at least, with Mike Davis and Rodney Smith both breaking off 12-yard gains and the team averaging 3.8 yards per carry. That’s a small consolation prize, though. This was mostly a brutal first half offensively.
Defense
There’s not much to like on this side of the ball, either. Green Bay’s running backs have had their way with Carolina’s young defense. Most of the damage has been done by Aaron Jones, who already has 114 rushing yards and a touchdown while totaling 9.5 yards per carry. Aaron Rodgers hasn’t even had to really test his arm, yet. He’s 13/19 for 99 yards and one score. Jeremy Chinn and Brian Burns have both been flashing their awesome potential, but as usual nobody else is stepping up.
Special teams
At least this unit has held serve. Kicker Joey Slye connected on his one field goal attempt from 36 yards out and rookie Joseph Charlton is averaging 48 yards per punt. Trenton Cannon has had a couple of respectable returns, including a 28-yarder.
The Packers will receive the kick to begin the second half.
