A look at Carolina Panthers-related news and nuggets from around the web.
ESPN Stats & Information analyzes Panthers/Packers:
- Highest pregame matchup quality of the week (75.6 on 0-100 scale)
- Packers: 53 percent chance to win (1.0 predicted point differential)
- Projected to be closest game of the week
- Carolina (44 percent) and Green Bay (25 percent) are strongest contenders for NFC No. 1 seed
Read it at ESPN.com
Michael Cohen of the Journal Sentinel points out one of the Packers' flaws:
While Hyde did not allow a touchdown to a tight end in either game, his subpar performances are a legitimate concern as the Packers prepare to play the Carolina Panthers, whose tight end Greg Olsen leads the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
Read it at JSonline.com
Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer breaks down the playoff implications of Sunday's showdown:
A victory over the Packers (6-1) on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium would send Carolina to 8-0, continuing the best start in franchise history. But more importantly, it would put the Panthers two games ahead of the Packers in the NFC playoff standings.
Read it at CharlotteObserver.com
Steve Reed of the Associated Press on the resilient Panthers:
Time and time again this season the unbeaten Panthers have overcome mistakes and found ways to win a game.
That was never more evident than Monday night when four players made mistakes only to make amends later in the game and help the Panthers beat the Indianapolis Colts 29-26 in overtime to keep their perfect season alive.
Read it at AP.org
The Panthers are doing a good thing Sunday:
Each player will receive a bio and picture of the service member they will honor. All fallen heroes have a connection to the Carolinas – they were natives of the region, trained or deployed from a base in the Carolinas.
Read more at Panthers.com
Former NFL safety Ryan Clark, now with ESPN, made an interesting claim about the first time he saw Cam Newton: