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?
