Cardinals at Panthers

Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers

Cardinals Offense vs Panthers Defense

The Cardinals threw a new wrinkle into their offensive game plan last week- the run. Everybody thought that this offense was a one trick pony, considering their last in the league run attack. However, by running the ball- 22 times for 96 yards- they were able to open up the passing game, and that is where this team thrives. The Panthers defense is surprisingly, very average. They are only 16th agaisnt the pass, and 20th agaisnt the rush. If the Cardinals can run the ball like they did last week, they should be able to gash this team thru the air. In the regular season meeting between these two teams, Kurt Warner threw for 381 yards and 2 touchdowns. The combination of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin should have success again this week, as last time they faced the Panthers they combined for 16 catches, 2 touchdowns and 178 yards. Boldin is batteling a pulled hamstring this week, but he should play. 

ADVANTAGE: CARDINALS 

Panthers Offense vs Cardinals Defense

The Panthers have a complete offense, and average 26 points per game. They can drive the ball down the field with their running attack of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, or they can strike quick thru the air with WR Steve Smith. Even when they hand off, they can take it to the house, with Williams being one of the quickest running backs in the league. The Cardinals had success stopping the run last week vs Micheal Turner, but Williams is a whole other beast. Turner is a great back, but he is more of a bruser. If you let Williams get into open space, he is gone.

Quarterback Jake Delhomme finished the season with 15 touchdowns, but also threw 12 interceptions. He can be great at times, but he also can hold this offense back. If the Cardinals can stop the run, and put the ball in Delhommes hand, it would improve their chances of winning. However, even that might not be enough, as last time Delhomme gashed them for 248 yards and 2 TD.

ADVANTAGE: PANTHERS

Analysis:

Not many people expected the Cardinals to be here (well, except me). Not even the Cardindals thought they would be here, as they celebrated winning last week by pouring gatorade on their coach, acting like they had won the Super Bowl. This week, they once again will not be expected to win, and that is probaly a good thing. The Panthers are 8-0 at home, and with the Panthers having not hosted a playoff game in awhile, the home field advantage will be huge. When the teams played last, the Panthers won by 4 points. It was a close game, and anyone who thinks that the Cardinals have no chance tonight is just wrong. This should be a high scoring game, and unlike last week, when Warner was playing a rookie quarterback, Delhomme should not shy away from this big stage. 

PICK: Panthers