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Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers: NFC Title Game Preview

By Alan Schechter

Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) and Cam Newton (1) celebrate Davis
Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) and Cam Newton (1) celebrate Davis /
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Round two of NFL championship Sunday pits the Arizona Cardinals against the Carolina Panthers. Both teams had interesting games last week, making this one a very interesting battle.

While you are watching the Patriots take on the Denver Broncos, we prepare for the NFC title game. Larry Fitzgerald and the Arizona Cardinals take on Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers. Here is a preview:

When: 6:40 PM EST

Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

TV: FOX

Betting Line: Carolina Panthers -3.5

This one is hard to handicap.  The reason is how tough it was for both of these teams last week.  The Panthers went up 31-0 last week against the Seahawks, yet the game ended when Carolina recovered an onside kick.  There was no reason for the game to come down to an onside kick.

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Do you trust the Panthers’ defense in a big spot?  It’s hard to feel like they can make a play in a big spot to hang onto a lead.

Then we have the Cardinals.  What was Bruce Arians thinking with that pass play that left time on the clock for Green Bay?  The overtime period never happens if the Cardinals had run the football on that play.  They were fortunate that the Packers forgot how to tackle when Larry Fitzgerald nearly took it the distance, and then scored to give them the win.

Needless to say, the Cardinals are questionable late in games.

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) reacts as he leaves the field after defeating the Green Bay Packers in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) reacts as he leaves the field after defeating the Green Bay Packers in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Carson Palmer was not great last week, and it was a big part of why the game was so close. He threw two interceptions which was not like him. It bears watching if the finger on his right hand is bothering him. He injured it towards the end of the regular season against the Eagles, and his throws fluttered a bit, uncharacteristic of his season as a whole. For the Cardinals to have a shot, Palmer will have to play well.

For the Panthers, I really believe it is going to come down to the defense.  The offense will play well.  The Panthers go through periods of dominating on defense, but they shut down.  31-0 at halftime, and the defense became invisible.  Russell Wilson and company went up and down the field at will.

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Can the Panthers’ defense play 60 minutes of football?  If they can, they have a great shot at a trip to California for Super Bowl 50.  If they do not, Arizona will put up more than enough points to pull off the upset.

One thing is for sure, it should be a great ball game.  Enjoy.

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