Green Bay Packers: 3 Key X-Factors Against Carolina

Green Bay Packers’ Special Teams

That’s right, I hate to be repetitive, but for the second week in a row, I am including the special teams unit. Since Week 7 in Houston, this unit has been on a rapid downward decline, but over the last month, it’s gotten even worse, with several big plays allowing the opponent back in the game.

Jacksonville returned a punt in the second quarter that gave them the lead. In Indianapolis, a game that the Packers lost in overtime, Darrius Shepherd fumbled a kick return, which took a possession away from Aaron Rodgers and put the Colts in scoring position. Two weeks later, Jalen Reagor returned a punt, which brought Philly within one score. And just last week, they allowed a 71-yard kick return that fortunately only ended in only a field goal, but nonetheless, it became a one-score game late.

By no means do I see the Panthers being pushovers this week, but this is a game that Green Bay should absolutely win. However, one way to let a team hang around is by making mistakes on special teams. I mean, as I pointed out above, look at what’s happened over the last month. This unit doesn’t have to be great by any means, but they have to stop giving up so many big plays.

Bonus: Does Christian McCaffrey Play?

I usually want to stay away from the star players, but this is an important storyline heading into Saturday’s game. On Wednesday, I wrote about how Matt Rhule told reporters that he “does not expect” McCaffrey to play, and McCaffrey also didn’t practice on Wednesday either after being a limited participant on Tuesday. With his ability as both a runner and a pass-catcher, McCaffrey is the exact type of player that will give this Green Bay Packers’ defense fits. As of now, it looks like he won’t be on the field, but could there be some gamesmanship on Rhule’s part going on?