Packers-Panthers Preview

Although they've shown poise at critical times while extending their historic run, the Carolina Panthers are still looking to put together a complete performance.

The Green Bay Packers, meanwhile, aren't panicking following one of the worst games of Aaron Rodgers' career.

In a showdown between two of the NFC's elite, the Panthers seek a team-record 12th consecutive win Sunday when the visiting Packers try to rebound from a humbling defeat.

Carolina coach Ron Rivera says his team still has plenty to work on despite emerging from last weekend as the lone unbeaten in the NFC. The Panthers had a 17-point fourth-quarter lead Monday night before Indianapolis rallied with two touchdowns in less than five minutes and hit a tying field goal at the end of regulation.

The Colts then went ahead with a field goal in overtime, but Graham Gano followed with field goals of 42 and 52 yards to give Carolina a 29-26 victory.

"We've done the things we need to do to give ourselves a chance to win football games, but at some point we need to be smart and be careful," Rivera told the team's official website. "I'd to like see us play a very consistent game, to play to our abilities."

The Panthers (7-0) haven't lost since Nov. 30, when they had a 3-8-1 record before going on to win the NFC South. They haven't been dominant this season, winning six of seven by 11 points or fewer.

Carolina will try to put it all together for the first time against the NFC North leaders, while Green Bay (6-1) faces its second straight unbeaten opponent following Sunday's 29-10 loss at Denver.

After averaging 248.5 passing yards with 15 touchdowns during the Packers' 6-0 start, Rodgers was 14 of 22 for 77 yards - a career low for a start he was able to finish - and no scores. The star had thrown for at least one TD in 41 of his previous 44 games.

It wasn't all his fault with Green Bay's receivers having a difficult time getting open against the Broncos' top-ranked defense and running back Eddie Lacy being limited to 38 yards on 11 carries.

The Packers, one of the league's best offensive teams since Rodgers arrived, rank an uncharacteristic 27th in passing yards per game (210.1) and 28th in total offense (332.1).

"I think the most important thing is, this is not a one-position issue. It's everything involved," coach Mike McCarthy said. "Our total plays are way down, and there are things that factor into that. This is not just about the receivers not getting open.

"So we'll use our past experiences, particularly in the past two games, and apply it to Carolina."

Rodgers has thrown for an average of 287.0 yards with eight touchdowns and one interception in three career meetings with the Panthers. He completed 19 of 22 passes for 255 yards and three scores in last year's 38-17 home victory.

"They're a good football team with a potential Hall of Fame quarterback and some playmakers with an aggressive style and an attacking defense," Rivera said. "We had trouble last year, but we are a different team."

Carolina ranks seventh against the pass this season, allowing 228.9 yards per game. The team also sits third with 12 interceptions and has 11 sacks over the past three weeks.

Still, Rivera would like to see more out of Kawann Short (five sacks), Mario Addison (three) and the pass rush after it struggled to get to Andrew Luck down the stretch.

Cam Newton needs to cut down on his turnovers after throwing his sixth interception in three games and losing a fumble last weekend. He has four picks in two career meetings with the Packers after going 17 of 31 for 205 yards with one TD and one INT last year.

Greg Olsen had eight catches for 105 yards in that matchup and he's been Newton's favorite target in 2015. Olsen has team highs with 33 receptions, 518 yards and four touchdowns and paces all NFL tight ends with 15.8 yards per catch since Week 2.

Carolina will try to find the holes in a Green Bay defense that has allowed 1,048 yards - including 828 through the air - over the past two games. The Panthers have also run for 100 yards in 18 straight and average an NFL-best 144.0, while the Packers are 25th against the run (124.4).

Star linebacker Clay Matthews is likely to play despite injuring his ankle last week, but starting cornerback Sam Shields (shoulder) and rookie corner Quinten Rollins (neck) were downgraded to doubtful on Saturday.

"We've got to critique ourselves and we've got to make sure that we get back to our play style that's enabled us to win six games," defensive coordinator Dom Capers said.

The Packers have won the last two meetings overall and five of seven all-time at Carolina.