Panthers at Packers: Pre-Historic Quarterbacks

To get you ready for week 11, FanHouse is previewing all 16 NFL games. Here is the Carolina Panthers/Green Bay Packers preview.

2007 Records:

Carolina Panthers 4-5 (t-2nd in NFC Sorth)
Green Bay Packers 8-1 (1st in NFC North)

Last Game:

Falcons 20, Panthers 13
Packers 34, Vikings 0

When the Panthers have the ball: I'll defer to John Fox on this one, since I'm not really sure exactly what the Carolina offensive plan is. There isn't a whole lot you can do with Vinny Testaverde (pictured) as a quarterback, much less when he's banged up. To make matters worse, the Panthers' best playmaker on offense, Steve Smith, is hurting and might not even play. Good heavens, without him, how will the Panthers offense move the ball? They probably won't, and back-to-back shutouts isn't out of the question for Green Bay's defense.

When the Packers have the ball: They'll attack as they have the past month, but will probably look to run the ball more than they did in the beginning of the season. Ryan Grant seems to be the answer for the running game, going over the 100 yard plateau two of the last three games. Grant is just another option for the explosive Green Bay offense where Donald Driver, Donald Lee, and Greg Jennings have been lighting it up all year, catching passes from Brett Favre.

The Edge: Let's just say that Carolina should be hoping just not to get shutout, OK? Actually, if they break a punt or kick return for a touchdown, maybe get a defensive touchdown here or there, and get lucky on a deep passing play or something, they could make it a game. But the chances of that all happening is highly unlikely. The only question is whether or not the Packers will win by a larger margin than last weekend.

Keep an eye on:

Steve Smith: If he can't play, Carolina's only weapon will be out, and they'll be supremely screwed. Even if he does go, he probably won't be at full strength. With him banged up, the Panthers won't be able to muster much on offense.

Brett Favre: Dude is putting up an MVP-type season, why not keep your eye on him? He's in charge of an offense that leads the NFL in passing yardage per game, so now it's just about padding the stats while his team tries to lock up a playoff spot.