YTD 1-0
Although there is much more parity in the NFL than in college football, I like the analogy of tonights game to a couple of college games we've already seen this year. In other words, what I believe we have tonight is two teams ultimately going in different directions but still perceived by the public in "traditional form" (e.g. Nebraska v. Southern Miss). GB is getting more respect than it deserves and Carolina is undervalued.
Traditionally (at least in recent history) Green Bay has been a solid contender with a great QB in Brett Farve. Over the years we've seen incredible play and emotion from Farve and everyone likes to get behind a guy like that. Unfortunately, Farve is now in the twilight of his career and in the last couple years has shown he can't consistently make the magical impromptu plays like he once did so regularly. Take last years playoff loss for example. Farve still thinks like he did in his prime but has lost a step and some velocity and now defenses are making him pay for his risky decisions. Still, everyone loves Green Bay, mostly because of Farve. I like him too, but his skills and judgment have tarnished, and as goes Farve, so goes GB.
On the other hand, Carolina is a young hungry team that is solid on both sides of the ball. Their defense is one of, if not the best, in the NFL and the offense is solid with nonflashy stars in Jake Delohmme, Stephen Davis and Deshaun Foster. Further, Smith and Muhammad are likewise solid in the receiving core.
Opening at home on Monday night I don't see Carolina losing this game. Not many gave this team a chance against New England in the Super Bowl and they nearly won. Moreover, they proved their no fluke. Carolina is on the uptick while GB, though always dangerous, is past its recent glory days. Home field is usually worth 3 points and that's all the line is here. So, the perception is that on a neutral field, GB wins this game more than not. The perception is flawed. Carolina is the better team and only laying 3 is very manageable. Take Carolina -3.
Although there is much more parity in the NFL than in college football, I like the analogy of tonights game to a couple of college games we've already seen this year. In other words, what I believe we have tonight is two teams ultimately going in different directions but still perceived by the public in "traditional form" (e.g. Nebraska v. Southern Miss). GB is getting more respect than it deserves and Carolina is undervalued.
Traditionally (at least in recent history) Green Bay has been a solid contender with a great QB in Brett Farve. Over the years we've seen incredible play and emotion from Farve and everyone likes to get behind a guy like that. Unfortunately, Farve is now in the twilight of his career and in the last couple years has shown he can't consistently make the magical impromptu plays like he once did so regularly. Take last years playoff loss for example. Farve still thinks like he did in his prime but has lost a step and some velocity and now defenses are making him pay for his risky decisions. Still, everyone loves Green Bay, mostly because of Farve. I like him too, but his skills and judgment have tarnished, and as goes Farve, so goes GB.
On the other hand, Carolina is a young hungry team that is solid on both sides of the ball. Their defense is one of, if not the best, in the NFL and the offense is solid with nonflashy stars in Jake Delohmme, Stephen Davis and Deshaun Foster. Further, Smith and Muhammad are likewise solid in the receiving core.
Opening at home on Monday night I don't see Carolina losing this game. Not many gave this team a chance against New England in the Super Bowl and they nearly won. Moreover, they proved their no fluke. Carolina is on the uptick while GB, though always dangerous, is past its recent glory days. Home field is usually worth 3 points and that's all the line is here. So, the perception is that on a neutral field, GB wins this game more than not. The perception is flawed. Carolina is the better team and only laying 3 is very manageable. Take Carolina -3.
