Panthers fall below .500 after loss against Packers

The Carolina Panthers are below 500 for the first time since week one after the team fell to the Green Bay Packers, 27-19, Thursday night.

Channel 9 Sports Director Phil Orban and Reporter DaShawn Brown broke down where things went wrong during the primetime game on Channel 9.

It started so well for the Carolina Panthers. They forced a fumble on the opening kickoff of the game, the first of 3 turnovers forced in this game.

They also stopped the run, only allowing 66 yards on the ground.

But there were just too many weak points and injuries to overcome.

Second quarter, Packers deep in their own territory, Jordan Love uncorked one deep downfield. Christian Watson hauled it in for a 53-yard gain. But the concern here is cornerback Will Lee suffering a hamstring injury during the play.

That's four cornerbacks out for the Panthers, Just too much to overcome in this environment against a passing offense this potent.

Late in the half, a Jordan Love pass to a wide-open Matthew Golden put the Panthers down 20 to 10 at the half.

Late in the 4th quarter, the Panthers were down 14 with just over five minutes left in this game. Jalen Coker powered his way into the endzone to bring the Panthers within 8.

"Loved the fight in the group. Didn't expect anything less. The guys kept battling all the way through. Gave us some opportunities at the end, making it a one-score game," Panthers head coach Dave Canales said.

This is now back-to-back losses for the first time this season. It's also the first time they've fallen below 500 since week one.

The good news is they have a mini bye to heal up and get some guys back on the field.

They're next in action a week from Sunday when they host the Denver Broncos at Bank of America Stadium.