Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers: NFC Championship Pick
By Erik Lambert
Who would’ve thought the most ugly and uninteresting playoff meeting from a year ago could evolve into one of the most highly-anticipated matchups of the entire season. The Arizona Cardinals, led by the brash Bruce Arians aim to take down Cam Newton and the powerhouse Carolina Panthers. Who advanced to the Super Bowl?
Backdrop:
Two franchises that have played the role of cellar dweller for years are now among the most elite in football. It’s only fitting that they meet for the right to go to a landmark Super Bowl 50. The contrast in styles as well lends to an intriguing matchup.
The dual-threat Cam Newton vs. the classic pocket passer Carson Palmer.
An elite 4-3 defense vs. an elite 3-4 defense.
A suave offensive head coach in Bruce Arians vs. a suave defensive head coach in Ron Rivera.
Two talented, young rosters sprinkled with notable veterans desperate to get a ring before ending possible Hall of Fame careers. The differences and similarities are striking. It should make for a heck of a football game.
Matchup To Watch:
CB Josh Norman vs. WR Larry Fitzgerald
The Green Bay Packers learned first-hand just how different Larry Fitzgerald becomes in the playoffs. He almost morphs into a superhuman and it’s almost impossible to stop him. Carolina should remember than lesson well considering he did to them previously back in 2008 during the Cardinals run to the Super Bowl.
Their biggest asset to keeping Fitzgerald contained is All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman, who has emerged as one of the top cover men this season. He’ll have the crowd and home field on his side, but it will take every bit of that and his own ability to slow down the future Hall of Famer.
Key Stat:
This game is going to be decided in trenches. That is the main reason both teams have reached this point. In 2015 the Panthers ranked 2nd in the NFL in rushing, pounding out an average of 142.6 yards per game. That ground attack was the big reason they dethroned Seattle as masters of the NFC.
Arizona will counter with a defensive front that is notoriously stout. Led by their front seven and hard-hitting safeties, the Cardinals defense was 6th in the league in run defense. Teams could manage an average of just 91.2 yards again them. It will be strength against strength in this game.
Prediction: Cardinals win 24-23
This matchup is as close as it gets. Both teams are well-balanced and well-coached. Each is capable of advancing and winning the Super Bowl. So why Arizona? Momentum. Their thrilling win over the Packers has to have them feeling so confident. Meanwhile the Panthers have reason for concern.
They held a 31-0 lead going into the 2nd half against the Seahawks and almost let it slip away. They allowed 24 points and didn’t score once in two more quarters. To top it off their already banged up pass rush suffered another loss with Jared Allen breaking his foot.
The Cardinals are just hotter and healthier.