The Carolina Panthers executed a well-coordinated strategy to limit the Green Bay Packers’ pass rush during their Week 9 matchup, resulting in a 16-13 victory at Lambeau Field. Throughout the week leading up to the game, head coach Dave Canales, quarterback Bryce Young, and other offensive players emphasized the importance of working together to neutralize the Packers’ defensive pressure.
“What I want to talk about mostly is the whole group,” said Canales on Monday. “Really trust these guys to get to execute the game plan.”
The Panthers focused on protecting Young from pass rushers Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary by ensuring quick passes and relying on receivers to get open rapidly. The plan also involved using short-yardage completions and maintaining a strong running game.
“We had a game plan to get the ball out quickly, and Bryce accomplished that for us. He was very decisive,” Canales stated. “The receivers were running fast, presenting themselves in the time that we needed to. You get one—maybe—you get one hitch, and then it’s time to go and make a decision. Bryce got some first downs with his legs. Our offensive line did a great job in terms of just giving us enough time to get that first read, second possible, and then getting the ball out.”
Young completed 11 of 20 passes for 102 yards with one interception but managed key throws during crucial moments, including two first-down completions on the final drive.
“The protection and the run game, O-line, tight ends, running backs, firing off the ball, being aggressive, I think everyone kind of took that challenge,” Young said. “Again, we have a ton of respect for them. We knew what they were, but everyone wanted that; everyone was excited about going up against a group like that, and that’s stuff you can’t coach, stuff you can’t teach, and I’m grateful to be a part of that. So I think that really speaks volumes to us as a unit.”
Young’s average release time was 2.80 seconds—the second lowest number of pressures he has faced this season—and Micah Parsons did not register any pressures for the first time in his career. Offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu credited preparation and teamwork for this outcome.
“I think it just goes on the preparation and also the game plan we had set up… It was definitely hard for him (Parsons) to kind of get a read of run and pass… So definitely the game plan coming to life,” Ekwonu said.
Running back Rico Dowdle contributed significantly with 25 carries for 130 yards and two touchdowns.
“Being able to have that balanced attack, and making yards,” Canales said about his team’s performance. “Rico had an excellent day picking up first downs at times… It all plays into it. And so it was a great… balance of just the offensive attack last week.”
Ekwonu added: “Yeah, I mean, there was definitely a lot of different… variety in the pass game and the run game as well… just once again, the game plan coming to life.”
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged Carolina’s effective approach: “They (the Panthers) came in and played the game they wanted to play,” LaFleur said. “Where they wanted to play keep away, run the football, make it just a game where we have to consistently execute on offense, and they did it better than we did.”
