Packers Beat Panthers as Questions Grow for Both Teams

The Packers controlled much of Thursday night’s game despite Carolina taking a 10-6 lead in the first half. Jordan Love threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns as Green Bay won 27-19. The Panthers fell to 3-4, tied for first in the NFC South with Atlanta, while the Packers improved to 5-3.

Carolina’s secondary took another injury hit when Will Lee III left with a hamstring injury while covering Christian Watson. Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson are on injured reserve, and Akayleb Evans was placed there this week, keeping him out for at least four weeks. The Panthers had no sacks or quarterback hits against Love, and Jaelan Phillips was unavailable.

Young completed 23 of 41 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception, while being sacked six times and pressured on 22 dropbacks. Carolina was also without offensive linemen Taylor Moton and Damien Lewis. The loss followed two straight wins over Detroit and Philadelphia.

Green Bay’s victory has not ended questions about its standing in a competitive division. ESPN analyst Peter Schrager argued that Detroit and Minnesota could be stronger teams, and said the Packers might rank fourth in the NFC North. Dan Orlovsky said he would still choose Green Bay over Minnesota, citing doubts about the Vikings’ offense led by Kyler Murray.

The Packers have lost on the road to both Minnesota and Detroit, and beat Chicago when Caleb Williams was unavailable. Green Bay’s next division game is against Minnesota in Week 10. Despite the win, the Packers could still finish the weekend last in the NFC North.