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| kcchiefs.com |
Carolina earns the right to host the game as the division champion, despite the fact that Arizona has a better record than the Panthers. There is much talk about reform to the playoff structure, as the current playoff format allowed Carolina its playoff berth at 7-8-1 and denied San Francisco (8-8) a spot in the playoffs altogether (Aw, what a shame). The Panthers are the third team in NFL history to make the playoffs with a losing record. But despite the skepticism, Carolina is getting hot at the right time, and has won four in a row entering Saturday's do-or-die matchup. Meanwhile Arizona has lost two straight, including a home loss to Seattle that allowed the Seahawks to clinch the division title.
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| reddit.com |
Carolina is Heating Up:
Carolina was sitting at 3-2 when they entered Week 6 against the Cincinnati Bengals. That game ended in a tie, and the Panthers would not win another game until December, dropping six straight games before winning in New Orleans. They ended the season on a four game win steak, and the defense that was a hallmark of their run last year seems to have returned to form.
During their winning streak they have held each opponent to 17 points or less, average 10.75. They defeated Drew Brees in his own house, holding him to just ten points and a 59% completion percentage, with one interception. They have forced opponents into 9 turnovers and have dominated the time of possession in each of their last four games, and control the ball 59% of the game on average.
Finally, they were matched up on the road against Atlanta last week for the division championship and crushed the hapless Falcons in a game that resulted in the firing of Falcons' coach Mike Smith. The defense held Atlanta to just 63 rushing yards and intercepted Matt Ryan twice-- returning both for touchdowns-- on their way to victory.
Overcoming Adversity:
If the win over the Falcons was an indication of the character of this team, then it follows that their leader and quarterback personify that entirely. Cam Newton has faced much criticism this season, especially amidst the awful losing streak the team suffered in the middle of the season. He was sacked 25 times during the streak. Still he has maintained his composure and kept his team involved and on track.
At no point was his leadership more evident than the middle of December. Cam Newton was involved in a car crash and suffered two fractured vertebrae in the incident. The accident itself was much more serious, as his car was flipped over and his roof flattened. "I'm on somebody's fantasy league," he said. "And I think it's the man upstairs."
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| deadspin.com |
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| espn.com |
Now Cam Newton will lead his team into the playoffs for the second straight year, and hopes to capitalize on the momentum built during the final weeks of the regular season.
Rookie Receiver Primed for the Moment:
Kelvin Benjamin has had an outstanding rookie season, coming in third in rookie receiving yards at 1,008, with 9 touchdowns. Although it is the first season of his young professional career it will not be the first time Benjamin plays in the spotlight. Last year Benjamin was a part of the Florida State team that won the BCS national championship against Auburn. He himself played no small role-- he hauled in the game winning touchdown pass with 13 seconds to play.
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| pixgood.com |
Trending... in the Wrong Direction:
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals are desperately trying to hold on to their season. At one point this team was 9-1, but went on to lose 4 of the final 6 games, including two losses to Seattle that would allow the Seahawks to claim the division title. Arizona also lost both their first- and second-string quarterbacks to injury, and will be starting third-string quarterback Ryan Lindley.
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| gettyimages.com |
Lindley is 1-5 as a starter and holds the record for most pass attempts without a touchdown at 229. He did post career best numbers last week in the loss to San Francisco, and seems as confident as the rest of the team in their ability to compete on Saturday.
Defense is the Key:
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| azcardinals.com |
Arizona has been aided this season by a defense that finished the season ranked 5th in total points allowed. There is some legitimate concern with the balance, as they are ranked 31st against the pass, and a meager 13th against the run. They will need some help containing Kelvin Benjamin, but will also need to devote attention to stopping Carolina's running game-- ranked 7th in the league. Cam Newton is also a mobile quarterback that can make you pay on the ground and will take advantage of any gaps in the defense. Arizona will need to play a strong defensive game to remain competitive in this playoff showdown.
FR's Choice:
I expect the Carolina Panthers to emerge with the victory. I believe in Cam and I believe in the momentum that the Panthers have generated toward the end of the season. Arizona has had a great year, but the loss of Carson Palmer was a major blow to their offense. Unless their defense can keep them in the game, they do not have the firepower to outscore Carolina. That task will be all the more challenging against a top 10 running team with a mobile quarterback, and their secondary is already at the bottom of the league. I would not be surprised to see Cam and the Panthers look for holes in the secondary and try a deep ball or two. The odds are in favor of Kelvin Benjamin coming down with at least one. Despite their record, the Panthers are hot at the right time of the year, and have the continuity of a team that has been here before-- just last year. They remember their early exit against the 49ers, and they will show up on Saturday ready to avenge that loss and advance to the next round.
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