Packers defeat Panthers 27-19 despite weak rushing attack

Green Bay extended its winning streak to five games, beating the Carolina Panthers 27-19 on Thursday night. The Packers recorded a 5-3 record despite posting the league's lowest rushing totals, gaining just 66 yards on the ground and averaging 2.5 yards per carry.

"The Packers became the first team in NFL history to own a winning record through eight games despite running for fewer than 500 yards," the Amazon Prime broadcast noted.

Quarterback Jordan Love continued to perform at a solid level, while receivers Christian Watson and Matthew Golden provided big plays when they secured the ball. Defensively, Green Bay applied pressure on Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, sacking him six times and hitting him nine times, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Each sack was recorded by a different defender, and the unit achieved this without linebacker Micah Parsons, who is expected to return later in the season.

Carolina struggled offensively, with an injured offensive line and a depleted secondary. Left guard Damien Lewis missed the game, and rookie Monroe Freeling started at right tackle after veteran Taylor Moton suffered a fractured fibula. The Panthers' cornerback depth was also thin, with several starters on injured reserve and Will Lee III exiting with a hamstring injury. As a result, Young was pressured on nearly half of his dropbacks and threw for fewer than 210 yards in consecutive games.

The loss leaves the Panthers facing challenges on both sides of the ball as they head into November.