Packers Fall to Carolina, Playoff Hopes Slip Away

The Packers’ playoff hopes are all but over after their loss to the Panthers in Charlotte on Sunday afternoon. Aaron Rodgers threw for 290 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions in the loss, his first game with three interceptions since 2009. Green Bay led 14-10 at halftime after a 33 yard touchdown from Rodgers to Randall Cobb, but Carolina regained the lead for good on a 30 yard touchdown pass from Cam Newton to tight end Greg Olson on the opening drive of the second half. The Panthers extended the lead to 31-17 in the fourth quarter, until Rodgers connected with Richard Rodgers with 2:43 left to pull the Packers within seven at 31-24. After a successful onside kick, the Packers drove to the Carolina 38 when Geronimo Allison fumbled on a 10 yard pass play that ended the drive and allowed Carolina to run out the clock.

Cobb, Richard Rodgers and Davante Adams each caught one touchdown for Green Bay. Adams was knocked out of the game on a blindside block by Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis following an Aaron Rodgers interception in the third quarter. Adams left the game with a concussion, his second of the season and third in the last 14 months.

For Carolina, Cam Newton threw for 242 yards and four touchdowns, while Greg Olson had nine catches for 116 yards and the one score.

A win by Atlanta Monday night will officially eliminate the Packers from the playoffs. Green Bay will host Minnesota on Saturday night. Kickoff is 7:30 pm from Lambeau Field.