In what turned out to be a defining moment of the game, Packers rookie linebacker Krys Barnes slapped the ball out of the hands of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater on an attempted first-and-goal sneak at the Green Bay 1-yard line with 7 minutes, 39 seconds left in the first half.
The ball ricocheted backwards and was eventually recovered by cornerback Kevin King, who returned it 48 yards. Seven plays later, Packers running back Aaron Jones punched the ball in the end zone on an 8-yard touchdown run.
Instead of what could have been a 14-10 game, Green Bay entered halftime up 21-3.
"That's just a great play by '5-1' getting the ball out," Amos said, referring to Barnes' jersey number. "Quarterbacks usually try to do that – reach the ball over the goal line. That was quick thinking to get the ball out. That's a big play. That saves points."
Barnes, who finished with six tackles before leaving in the second half with an eye injury, has continued to take on more responsibility in Green Bay's defense for his communication skills as the Mike linebacker and his take-no-prisoners tackling.
It wasn't just the rookie Barnes. Amos also broke up a pass intended for Panthers receiver Robby Anderson in the end zone on second-and-goal early in the fourth quarter. Carolina would eventually have to settle for a 22-yard Joey Slye field goal, one of three kicks the Panthers attempted inside the red zone.
Overall, the defense had one of its most complete showings of the season, with Carolina scoring just three points on its first six offensive possessions. Meanwhile, Preston Smith, Za'Darius Smith and Amos all registered sacks.
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December 20, 2020 at 02:17PM
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Packers' red-zone defense responds in win over Panthers - Packers.com
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