The Green Bay Packers will face the game’s top dual-threat running back and one of the league’s top inside linebackers when the Carolina Panthers arrive at Lambeau Field on Sunday.
Coach Matt LaFleur explained the challenge of facing running back Christian McCaffrey and linebacker Luke Kuechly, two difference-making talents for the 5-3 Panthers.
McCaffrey might play a devalued position, but he’s made himself into NFL MVP candidate with a blistering eight-game start to 2019.
“I think he’s been hard to handle since he got into this league. He’s just a complete back,” LaFleur said Wednesday. “He can do it as a rusher, he can do it as a receiver, he does a great job in protection. Total package. Just a really good back.”
McCaffrey ranks first in the NFL in rushing yards per game (110.1), rushing touchdowns (10), yards from scrimmage (1,244) and total touchdowns (13). He’s second in the NFL in rushing yards (881), and second among running backs in yards per carry (5.3) and third in catches (42) and receiving yards (383).
He also has at least one touchdown in seven of the Panthers’ first eight games. He produced three scores in Carolina’s win over the Tennessee Titans last week.
While the Packers defense has its hands full with McCaffrey, LaFleur and the offense will have to figure out how to get past one of the NFL’s most decorated inside linebackers.
Kuechly, a six-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, is having another standout season. He ranks tied for fourth in the NFL in tackles with 78, while also producing five tackles for losses, seven pass breakups and two interceptions.
LaFleur called him the “complete package” at linebacker.
“He is the quarterback of the defense. He knows what’s going on at all times,” LaFleur said. “He is so instinctive, so smart, you don’t want to show him the same looks over and over because he’ll pick up on it. He reads his keys so well. He’ll sniff things out before they happen. And his physical skill set is elite as well. He’s the complete package. He’s got the athleticism and the intelligence and that’s why you see when one of the best linebackers in the game.”
The Packers and Panthers are scheduled for a 3:25 p.m. CT kickoff from Lambeau Field on Sunday.
