Thanks for checking out my preview of the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers game coming up this Sunday. The Green Bay Packers are coming off an exciting win over the Saints and of course are the defending Super Bowl Champions.

Never has a loss created so much excitement among Carolina Panther fans like the one to Arizona did. Cam Newton set a rookie passing record for yards and played beyond the expectations of even his most ardent fans.

The Green Bay Packers are expected to roll over the Carolina Panthers but there is a reason they actually play the games.Carolina has a chance to beat the Packers if they limit turnovers and in turn force the Packers into turning the ball over.

The loss of Jon Beason for the season is a huge blow to the Panthers as is the concussion suffered by Jeff Otah. The offensive line of any team needs to have the same five players on the field as much as possible. They have to play together to get better but this line is banged up.

Jeff Otah is listed as doubtful on the injury report and will be replaced by rookie Byron Bell. Cornerback Josh Thomas, wide receiver Kealoha Pilares, and linebacker Thomas Davis are all listed as probable.

For the Carolina Panthers to stay in the game with the Green Bay Packers, the running game must improve. Cam Newton can’t be expected to have another 400 yard game. “Double Trouble” DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart need to run the ball well and control the clock, thus keeping Aaron Rogers off the field.

Original Carolina Panthers Head Coach Dom Capers is the defensive coordinator for the Packers. Capers is a 3-4 blitz guru and will be trying to confuse and rattle Cam Newton. Capers may confuse Cam but I don’t think Newton will get rattled. Cam Newton shows rare poise for a rookie quarterback.

To try to thwart the Packers blitz Carolina needs to keep the tight ends involved in the passing game. Cam Newton will need his safety valves AKA Shockey and Olsen to get open early on blitzes. I also think Steve Smith and Newton may hook up again on a long pass if the Packers leave Smith in one on one coverage.

To try to tame Aaron Rodgers and the potent Packers offense the Panthers will be blitzing a lot themselves. The Panthers will need another good game from Chris Gamble who played well against Larry Fitzgerald last week.

My biggest concern from the Packers offense is them running the ball effectively and wearing out the Panthers linebackers. Also while Jermichael Finley has an ankle injury he is a threat against the Panthers this week.

The Panthers also must fear rookie returner/receiver Randall Cobb who is a very exciting player.Carolina gave up a punt return touchdown last week to Peterson of the Cardinals though Mike Goodson almost ran him down.

I hope the Panthers can keep the game close and win it at the end but the Packers are a very formable opponent. Cam Newton will probably look more like a rookie against the Packers but it is all part of his learning curve. One thing about Cam Newton is he hates losing and he may just help the Panthers upset the Packers.