Arizona Cardinals vs Carolina Panthers: Who Has the Edge?

by Andrew602 on Oct 29, 2009 2:49 PM MDT in 2009 Season Comment 7 comments

In last week's segment, the New York Giants held the edge, 7-5 and that was rightfully so. Not many Cardinal fans expected them to go to New York and play the way they did. That's where predicting outcomes becomes difficult. This week, predicting who has the edge shouldn't be a challenge, but the Cardinals also shouldn't get ahead of themselves. The Panthers can be a dangerous team, and DeAngelo Williams is always a threat to break a long run. Let's take a look at who will hold the edge.

Pos.	Edge	Analysis
QB		This one should be a no-brainer. Jake Delhomme has already thrown 13 interceptions while Kurt Warner has put together another solid season. This is the key to the game on Sunday.
RB		Although the Panthers have had their problems this season, the one bright spot would be the duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. The combo could give the Cardinals problems on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are barely starting to put together a rushing attack
WR		The Cardinals passing attack hasn't been as explosive as it was in the past, but you can never underestimate Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston. The Panthers have struggled getting the ball to Steve Smith, something they must do to be successful.
TE		Jeff King and Dante Rosario have more receptions, yards and touchdowns then any one of the Cardinals tight ends combined. Delhomme hasn't been good but he has found these two in the end zone.
OL		Jeff Otah is a young tackle that Cardinal fans wish we could swap with Levi Brown. The Cardinals offensive line has improved the last two ames, but Carolina's line can produce good rushing lanes for their running backs.

Pos.	Edge	Analysis
DL		The Cardinals continue to remain the best rushing defense in the league. Even with Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, they didn't allow over 100 yards. The Panthers have faced injuries and inconsistency. Julius Peppers remains a force on defense, as he has 6 sacks on the year.
LB		The Panthers linebackers are one of the bright spots on the defense. Jon Beason and Thomas Davis lead the defense in tackles and interceptions(1). Although the Cardinals linebackers have blitzed more and have done better in coverage, they'll need to more consistent while doing so.
CB	---------------	The Panthers do have the top pass defense in the league(150 YPG), while the Cardinals are 29th(258 YPG). However, opponents have thrown the least amount of passes(151) in the league at the Panthers. They also allow a 6.6 YPA(13th), a 65.6% completion(27th), and a 91.3 QB rating(24th). The Cardinals have had 226 passes thrown at them(10th) with a 7.2 YPA avg(20th), a 57.5% completion(9th), and an 82.1 QB rating(13th). The Panthers 1st ranked pass defense can be misleading, and the Cardinals stats are skewed from the rough start. Split.
S		Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle proved last week that they are the best pair of safeties, at least in the NFC. They confused Eli Manning and were at the end of 3 turnovers. As stated earlier, the Panthers pass defense is good, but is not on the level of Wilson and Rolle.
ST		This one was close, but the Cardinals have the Panthers beat in almost every statistical category. They're also in top 5 for opponent return yards allowed. So far this year, the Panthers have done nothing that warrants them to have the edge over the Cardinals on special teams.
Coach		John Fox's commitment to Jake Delhomme proved to be disastrous for the Panthers '09 season. Meanwhile, Ken Whisenhunt has the Cardinals on a three game win streak and in 1st place in the West
Edge	Result	Analysis
	7-5	The Cardinals have the edge this week for obvious reasons. They're coming off a three game win streak and a huge win in New York. They'll also be at home, a place they haven't been in two weeks. The Panthers decided to start Delhomme again this week, something that may be costly after Sunday.

The Cardinals get to be on their home field this Sunday, another factor in the game. They hold the edge at most positions, but must have the edge in the mental game as well. Buying into their own hype or becoming too confident could cost the Cardinals the game. What are your thoughts? Are there any positions that you don't agree with?

0 recs | Comment 7 comments | Share

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

LB

I think our middle LB are very solid but our outside backers are just converted end and do lack in coverage

The Devil Birds just got cha

by DaCards on Oct 29, 2009 4:27 PM MDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs

I'd lean the CB comparison to the Cards

The numbers ARE misleading but you could also say the Panther CB’s have done nothing special too. I think one INT between them…the soft zones prevent big plays..both ways.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Oct 29, 2009 5:05 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Normally by personel alone I would lean to the Cardinals

But they got burned a few times early in the season. They’re just barely getting things together.

What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds

by Andrew602 on Oct 29, 2009 5:32 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

te

When I watched the game again I noticed ben patrick had a few grabs and think he will be a bigger part of our short passing game

The Devil Birds just got cha

by DaCards on Oct 29, 2009 6:33 PM MDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs

Good call

Rosario is probably out for this game, but I really like Gary Barnidge out of Louisville. Even then, I agree that Patrick will get more involved and his blocking seems to have improved. I would call it a tie at TE.

Also, I’ll take Wells and Hightower against Williams and Stewart. I realize this is a homer pick, but for real I think if the Cardinals had the Panthers’ rushing lanes to run through, Hightower and Wells could produce at a higher level. I would also call this a tie IMO.

http://undrafteds.com/

by Undrafteds on Oct 30, 2009 12:13 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

Deangelo and Stewart are arguably the best 1-2 punch in the game. I like Wells and Hightower alright but they’re a ways from being a dependable duo or for either of them to do anything spectacular.

by Fitz Jizzle on Oct 30, 2009 2:26 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

re:disagree

its ok, I am usually in the minority in my thinking. I love me some DeAngelo, and Stewart is a great #2, but I think there are two things primarily keeping Wells and Hightower from showcasing their skills more: lesser run blocking, and many many less chances to run. They are last in the league in attempts, not just yards. Put Wells and Hightower on the Giants and people would be praising them over and over again.

http://undrafteds.com/

by Undrafteds on Oct 31, 2009 12:50 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs