As the Carolina Panthers look to head into their bye week with some momentum, they are faced with beating the Arizona Cardinals, a team with highest scoring offense in the league.  This matchup, just like last weekend’s, is going to come down to the performance of the secondary, which has been absolutely outstanding through seven games.

The Cardinals, who are first in the league in points scored per game, second in passing offense, and 6th in total offense will be facing their defensive equal in Carolina.  The Panthers rank 3rd in points allowed, 2nd in passing defense, and 5th in total defense, they have also yet to allow a 100 yard rusher this season.  As I said last week, usually when you have a high octane offense clashing with a smothering defense, the defense comes up on top, and that should be the case Sunday.

The main reason for the defense’s success has not been because of the number of takeaways, sacks, or tackles.  It’s been because they have shut down the big play.  By only putting seven in the box, and using a lot of nickle and dime formations, Defensive Coordinator Mike Trgovac has been able to shut down any down field threat, forcing teams to dump off balls in the 5-10 yard area.  That means that as opposing quarterbacks go through their reads, no one down field is open, and there is more time for Julius Peppers and company to apply pressure and get some sacks.  This defense is designed to slow down a high potent, passing offense, which is exactly what the Cardinals have.

On the other side of the ball, look for the Panthers to try and continue their conservative approach, trying to beat teams with a dominating ground game, and an occasional down field pass with some play action.  Things did get off a little slow last week, but good field position and turnovers allowed for the offense to capitalize with short fields.  If things don’t go as well Sunday, look for Jake Delhomme to try and open things up down the field to Steve Smith, as the Cardinals rank 20th against the pass.  The thing is though, no matter how much the offense struggles, the defense will always keep them in the game and give them a chance to win.

Besides today being the 15th anniversary Jerry Richardson’s successful bid to get a NFL franchise in the Carolinas, today will also be the first time ever Jake Delhomme plays against the man he formerly backed up in NFL Europe, Kurt Warner.  Both quarterbacks were undrafted, and both got their start in leagues outside of the NFL.  In a league where so much emphasis is placed on which round you were drafted in, and how much money you get paid, it’s good to see guys like Jake and Kurt getting it done despite some of the obstacles they had to overcome.

With the Panthers playing at home again Sunday, where they have been great all season, they have a great chance of going into the bye with a 6-2 record, and some momentum.  Baring that embarrassing loss to the Bucs two weeks ago, the Panthers have shown that they are legitimate contenders in the NFC, and a win against another division leader will go a long way into cementing that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Panthers 27, Cardinals 13

Tags: arizona cardinals, momentum, panthers