While it may seem like a long-shot to think the Lions will beat the Cowboys in Arlington, it is a 
possibility. And if it does happen, tonights wildcard win by the Carolina Panthers over the Arizona Cardinals sends the Panthers to Lambeau for the Divisional Round. Here are three things on the good side and the bad side that the Panthers bring to the table: Will it be enough to challenge the “house-protecting” Pack in a week? Well that remains to be seen but I think most of Packernation will like our chances if it works out that way.
3 Positives
1. Luke Kuechly – My cousin Jeff texted me saying that if Carolina comes to Lambeau, we ought to find a way to “persuade” Luke Kuechly to change sides. I couldn’t agree more. This guy does just about everything better than just about everyone at his position. No wonder he was rookie of the year and DPY and now, instrumental in his team moving on…
2. “Double Trouble” – Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams are a solid RB duo…if they are healthy they can be dangerous and move the ball. Thank goodness the Packers run defense has really come on of late.
3. I can’t think of anything else – Other than those two concerns, there is nothing that scares me about the Carolina Panthers. I know their pass rush is good…but we have Aaron Rodgers. Nuff sed!
3 Negatives
1. Cam Newton – If the Packers can keep the Panthers out of 3rd and short situations, in which Newton is moderately successful…he will have trouble being successful against Green Bay. Cam is inaccurate, throws late, and struggles with the rush. The Packers will be chomping at the bits for another shot at him.
2. Receiver corps – or lack thereof. Ask about the Panthers receivers and…a tumbleweed drifts by…again…nobody scares me.
3. defensive backfield – While the Panthers linebackers, especially Kuechly (who hopefully won’t be a problem as mentioned above) are good, the Panther’s defensive backfield should give ample opportunity for the Packers bevy of high-quality receivers and for Richard Rodgers who has been coming on of late.
So tomorrow’s game against the Lions will determine the Packers foe, but Packers fans cannot help but salivate at the opportunity should the Lions beat the Dallas Cowboys tomorrow.
Go Pack!
I will be hoping they get the Panthers instead of Dallas but either one will not beat the Pack in Lambeau, My hope would be the Lions do win because I think they match up better than the Panthers to the Hawks and could possibly beat them at home! But the way it is looking the Pack will get Dallas and with a win will have to go into Seattle with ear plugs and stomp the Hawks to prove they are the best this year..also it would be sweet revenge and a fitting end to the season by losing to them the very first game of the year then beating them the very last!
I think one more threat/matchup problem the Panthers have is Greg Olsen. Seems like the GBD has at times been picked apart by TE. The issue seems less of a problem as of late, schemes and personnel packages put in by Capers are helping but with out a Kuechly on our side that TE position remains a threat.