Carolina vs. Green Bay: 5 Second-Half Adjustments Panthers Must Make

The Panthers lead at the half, but there is still some serious room for improvement if they want to extend their lead over the defending Super Bowl champions. This game looks like it will come down to the last minute, and Aaron Rodgers will keep the Packers in it until their final play.

Here's what they must do in the second half to come away with the win. 

1. More Effective Blitzing

If you give Aaron Rodgers time, he will make you pay. Charles Johnson is getting a good rush off the edge, but the Packers' offensive line is typically forming a good pocket. Rodgers may be great against the blitz, but there's nothing wrong with blitzing one backer and mixing it up with some stunts.

Thomas Davis doesn't get as much respect as he deserves for being an excellent pass rusher off the edge. He has fantastic speed and has a good swim move in his arsenal. If Charles Johnson can get an inside rush and force Rodgers to roll out, the Panthers could put Green Bay in some tough situations. 

2. Give Byron Bell More Help

Clay Matthews has had his way with Byron Bell so far. He is far too athletic for Bell to keep up with and if they don't consistently bump Matthews, he will come up with some more pressure, which could be the demise of the Panthers in the second half. 

If they lose the lead, they will have to go to the air very often and the threat of a sack and strip by Clay Matthews will be at a premium. Greg Olsen has done a nice job thus far on Matthews, but Olsen is a great receiver and he will not be able to match up on the Green Bay linebacker all night. 

3. More Creative Run Plays

The Panthers aren't going to be able to run up the middle with ease on the Packers' defense. They have one of the toughest defensive lines in the league, and Dom Capers won't allow Carolina to pound the ball down the heart of his defense. 

It may seem risky, but the option run looks open so far and it could result in some big plays. As long as Newton continues to please Ron Rivera by sliding, injury won't be a threat, and the possibility of a late hit will increase. 

4. Eliminate Stupid Penalties

Stupid penalties almost cost the Panthers two touchdowns in the first half, but the hold by Jordan Gross proved to be the only costly error. Now, I'm not trying to make excuses, but that was not a penalty.

Nonetheless, there was no reason for Gross to even give the referee the slightest motivation to call a penalty. The run was on the opposite side of the line and the slightest tug of the jersey ended up costing them. 

5. Capitalize in the Red Zone

The Panthers had three opportunities in the red zone and only came away with one touchdown. No one expected the Panthers to have that many chances, but they will need to capitalize now. They won't get away with that for the whole game. You can't expect to beat Aaron Rodgers with field goals, so they will need to increase that touchdown percentage in the second half.