In what may have been the most impressive debut by a rookie in NFL history, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton’s record-breaking debut was a smashing success. Newton would complete 24-of-37 passes for 422 yards and throw two touchdowns in a 28-21 Week 1 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
The former Heisman trophy winner and BCS national champion standout from Auburn would look very comfortable in going downfield against Arizona’s hapless pass defense.
Enter the 1-0 defending Super Bowl champion, Green Bay Packers.
Make no mistake, Green Bay is no Arizona as they have the AP NFL 2009 Defensive Player of the Year in cornerback Charles Woodson and a much more formidable pass rush, led by nose tackle B.J Raji and linebacker Clay Matthews.
The Packers tough defense will be sure to Newton and the 0-1 Panthers fits on Sunday.
For Green Bay, they are led by Super Bowl XLV MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers and an explosive West Coast offense which features wide receivers Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson and tight end Jermichael Finley.
Rodgers would lead the Packers to a NBC Thursday Night 42-34 victory over the New Orleans Saints to being the 2011-12 NFL season. Rodgers would finish by going 27-of-35 for 312 yards and three touchdowns.
Nelson and Jennings would each have a receiving touchdown, Jennings would finish with seven receptions for 89 yards and Nelson would finish with with six catches for 77 yards. Packers rookie wide receiver and return specialist Randall Cobb would have a 32-yard touchdown reception and score on a 108-yard kickoff return.
The Packers-Panthers matchup will most likely be decided by whether or not Newton can solve Dom Capers aggressive zone-blitz scheme.
While Newton has the running back tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to keep Green Bay’s defense honest, wide receiver Steve Smith will most likely be blanketed by the physical Woodson all day.
Prediction : Green Bay 31 Carolina 10
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I agree–in fact, my own prediction was quite close to yours: http://packerchatters.com/?p=27262
You know what they say about great minds thinking alike right. Good luck on Sunday!