D Starts Sloppy, down 13-7 at Half

The Packers defense sputtered out of the gate in the first half, as Cam Newton completed 13/21 for 181 yards. Carolina controlled the 1st quarter, with the Packers defense playing guessing games.

It wasn't all bad though, as pressure eventually seemed to bring Newton back down to Earth and allowed the Green Bay offense to get started. A few quick passes up the middle to TE Jermichael Finley seemed to get the offense into the swing of things, in a drive capped off with a 1 yard td run by FB John Kuhn.

After a few punts back and forth, Packers CB Charles Woodson picked off Newton in Panthers territory. But Green Bay couldn't take advantage, and a few more punts brought on the end of the half.

The score at half is 13-7 Panthers.

Noteworthy:

• Contrary to my prediction, the Packers have kept the action inside the perimeters, and have not yet challenged the deep corners.
• Newton started strong, but showed he can be pressured into poor throws. The Packers would do well to bring it in the second half, and keep their eye on the ball.