Originally Posted by
Snowball
I am very confident Carolina wins this game.
It's in their house. Arizona struggles on offense are too much to overcome, especially
in a loud envirnoment against a defense that has proven it can stifle much more cohesive
offenses such as Atlanta. It doesn't matter if Stanton or Lindley is playing. Neither is capable
of the performance you need to win a playoff game, and Arizona doesn't have a running game
capable of grinding the clock either. Their top RBs only avg. 3.3 per carry. Yes Arizona has a
strong defense, but it is overrated. They are 5th in pts allowed, but this is likely due to schedule.
Why ? Because they are 24th in yards per game. Think about that. 24th. They are a mid-range
12th on 3rd down conversions allowed. Solid 5th on TO ratio (+8).
Panters also have a positive (+3) TO ratio. They have a multi running threat with Jonathan
Stewart (4.6 ypc) and DeAngelo Williams (3.5), both better than the Cardinal backs.
Cam Newton was hampered by rib injuries earlier in the season and this had a causative
effect on the weak part of their season, if you look at it. Derek Anderson started 2 games and
played in 6. Cam wasn't anywhere near 100%, but he looks good now. Did you see him rush
for the TD yesterday where he plowed through the Atlanta DL like a RB ? Quite impressive.
He's playing without fear, perhaps the car accident has brought out something in him.
I think you can look at the last 4 games with Carolina (4-0) and consider that momentum
and swagger going into a home playoff game. Ron Rivera is a good coach.
There is no reason to suspect Carolina will not win this game and advance.
I will be taking them ML, -3, -6, and -10+. Arizona is no threat in this condition.