Old North Banter
Fansided

Carolina Panthers: Carolina vs. Arizona Preview

By Horran Cameron

Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) runs the ball against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (28) during the fourth quarter in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) runs the ball against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (28) during the fourth quarter in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Carolina Panthers begin the crawl back to relevance tomorrow when the Arizona Cardinals come to visit.

This weekend, the Carolina Panthers (1-5) will face the Arizona Cardinals (3-3-1). The Panthers are in desperate need of a win against Arizona. The Panthers endured a heartbreaking 41-38 loss to the Saints in their previous. The Cardinals ended up in a tied game with the Seattle Seahawks last week.

In February 2016, these two teams faced each other in the NFC Championship game. This season, neither one of these teams seem poised enough to make a Super Bowl run. Both teams need to win this game to stay in the NFC playoff race.

The Panthers’ defense will have their hands full with Cardinals’ running back David Johnson. Johnson has rushed 146 times for 681 yards and eight touchdowns. He ranks third in the NFL in rushing yards, trailing only DeMarco Murray (Tennessee Titans) and Ezekiel Elliott (Dallas Cowboys).

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) against the New York Jets at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) against the New York Jets at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina must limit Johnson’s rushing ability. He is not a one-dimensional back. For instance, Johnson loves to run between the holes in the offensive and he can bounce outside as well juking defenders. Moreover, Johnson has great hands for a running back size. He can dominate a game rushing and catching passes out the backfield. He is Arizona’s best player, by far.

More from Carolina Panthers

However, do not count out Arizona’s passing duo Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald. They can get hot any given time. Fitzgerald remains one of the best wide receivers in the league with his combination of size and speed.

Prior to their tie with Seattle, Arizona was on a two-game winning streak whereas Carolina has lost four consecutive games (Minnesota, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, New Orleans). Carolina offense has struggled to find a rhythm. Likewise, Carolina’s defense cannot find any consistency stopping opposing offenses.

This game will be a dogfight. Carolina will be hungry for a victory. They need it more than Arizona right now. This is do or die for the Panthers.

Prediction: Carolina Panthers – 24, Arizona Cardinals – 20

Home/Carolina Panthers