Packers face test in Panthers

The Green Bay Packers are coming off their first loss of the 2015 National Football League season. It was not just the average, run-of-the-mill defeat, but a national television whipping at the hands of the Denver Broncos.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers could not get anything going throughout the evening against the best defense in football. It was ugly, it was shocking, and it made people wonder if Green Bay is exactly who we though it was.

Now, only one week after losing to one of the best teams in the league, head coach Mike McCarthy and the players have to rebound before going into Bank of America Stadium to take on the Carolina Panthers. Like Denver, the Panthers are undefeated and largely because of an excellent defense.

Carolina has three stars on defense, ranging from linebackers Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly to cornerback Josh Norman. The Panthers also have defensive lineman Kawann Short, one of the most talented young players in the game today.

Without question, this is going to be a gutcheck for Green Bay. The Packers are on the road on a little bit of a short week, taking on an undefeated opponent in its building. Rodgers stands to be furious after his hideous performance on Sunday Night Football, something that should terrify everyone rooting for Cam Newton and the boys.

While Carolina is very good and deserves respect, the Packers are favored by three points. In essence, Vegas is saying that the Panthers would be a touchdown underdog at a neutral site and either a nine of 10-point underdog if the game was at Lambeau Field. Considering the Panthers are 7-0 with wins over the Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts, the line is fairly shocking.

Still, the line really points more to a ton of respect for Rodgers and the Packers. Vegas is looking for Green Bay to bounce back in a big way, avoiding a losing streak. It is hard to see Carolina getting blown out in its own building, but it is even harder to see Rodgers having another subpar performance.

The Packers still lead the NFC North at 6-1, but the Minnesota Vikings are only one game off the pace and still have two games against Green Bay. In addition, the Vikings play the St. Louis Rams at TCF Bank Stadium this week and are favored to pick up a fourth consecutive victory.

Carolina will be a stiff test for the Packers, but don’t be surprised if Rodgers lights up the secondary, and Green Bay walks out of North Carolina with a very impressive win.