CHARLOTTE — Now that it's July, we're officially in the ramp-up to training camp and the start of the 2025 season.
So now's a good time to catch up with the Panthers' opponents this year and see what they've done this offseason to impact this year's matchup.
We'll go through these in order, so stay tuned for our breakdowns of the whole schedule.
OPPONENT: Packers
All-time series: Panthers trail all time in the series 6-11 (4-6 at home, and 2-5 in Green Bay).
Last year: These two teams didn't play each other last year, but did face-off in a 2023 early Christmas-time game. It was a 33-30 loss for the Panthers, but one that showed an early glimpse of Bryce Young's potential. As a rookie, he went 23-36 for 312 total yards and two passing touchdowns, and was sacked twice. He outpaced Jordan Love by almost 100-passing yards, who finished 17-28 for 219 yards. The Packers ground game took over, picking up 162 yards (127 yards for Aaron Jones alone) and two rushing touchdowns.
While Green Bay was able to set up for a game-clinching field goal with their final possession, and the Panthers ran out of time to tie on the ensuing drive, Young was able to lead three touchdown drives in the second half.
2024 rankings and results
Record: 11-6
Total offense: 5th
Total defense: 6th
Personnel moves
Key additions in free agency: WR Mecole Hardman, LB Kristian Welch, CB Nate Hobbs, G Aaron Banks, LB Isaiah Simmons, CB Gregory Junior, DL Cameron Young. Resigned: ILB Isaiah McDuffie, WR Bo Melton, RB Emanuel Wilson, S Zayne Anderson.
Key additions in the draft: WR Matthew Golden, OT Anthony Belton, WR Savion Williams, DE Barry Sorrell, LB Collin Oliver, DT Warren Brinson, CB Micah Robinson, OT John Williams.
Changes from last year: Running back A.J. Dillon's season ended before it even began with a neck injury in training camp. The Packers run game didn't dip in 2024, thanks to a dominating showing from Josh Jacobs, but there was still a question as to whether or not Dillon would return as a free agent to make a one-two punch. As soon as free agency began though, Dillon signed with the Eagles.
The Packers trenches lost production on each side, with both center Josh Myers, and nose tackle T.J. Slaton departing in free agency.
The most eye-catching change though was the departure of Jaire Alexander. The Pro Bowl corner had played in only 30 of the Packers last 51 regular season games due to various injuries. Green Bay decided to release him in June, and Alexander signed with the Ravens nine days later.
What to watch for in 2025: For the first time since 2002, the Packers drafted a receiver in the first round, Texas product Matthew Golden. It adds another young pass catcher to the arsenal for quarterback Jordan Love. All of the returning starters at wide receiver are still on their rookie deal, but they have grown alongside Love, who became a starter in 2023 following the departure of Aaron Rodgers, added former Chiefs receiver Mecole Hardman in free agency. The Packers—who were a top 5 offens averaging 370.8 yards per game last season—are hoping that maturation in addition to another year with Jacobs will take Green Bay to their third straight playoff appearance under Love, and first NFC North title since 2021.
Green Bay's draft-and-develop mentality has also been the blueprint on defense, in a group that was third in turnover differential (+12) and fourth in total takeaways (31) last season.
The Panthers will travel to the Frozen Tundra during a relatively mild time of year; an early November game that will negate the blistery conditions that can often intimidate opponents.
View all the action from the Panthers' game against the Green Bay Packers in Week 16.
