Cardinals vs Panthers: Staff writer predictions

Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) passes the ball during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

For the upcoming Cardinals vs Panthers NFL Playoff game, the staff writing team of The Jet Press weighed in their thoughts.

Even though the NY Jets are out of the NFL Playoffs, we here at The Jet Press are just as excited as many football fans are for the postseason. With teams heading into the Conference Championship weekend, this promises to be an incredible showdown between some of the top teams in the NFC..

The Cardinals head to face the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in what should end up being an epic showdown between two incredible teams. Both are trying to punch their ticket to Super Bowl 50 and will ensure they fight until the bitter end. Both teams are pretty evenly matched as it will very well come down to which team makes the least amount of mistakes.

Here are some predictions by the staff writing team of The Jet Press for what should be a fantastic game between the Cardinals and Panthers.

Next: It's Palmer time

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) against the Green Bay Packers during an NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

It’s Palmer time Luis Tirado Jr.: Twitter – Facebook – Google+

I look at this match-up as going down as one incredible battle between two of the top teams in the NFL. On one side, the Panthers have been playing some incredible football as of late but appear to have lost that aspect of playing complete football from start to finish.

Considering that the Panthers almost fell apart last week in their win over the Seattle Seahawks, I’m going with the Cardinals in this one. It’s time that quarterback Carson Palmer got his shot at playing in a Super Bowl as I expect him to put on an incredible performance straight to victory.

I predict the Cardinals edge out the Panthers 38-35 in an offensive shootout.

Next: Cardinals are heading to the Super Bowl

January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) celebrates the 26-20 victory against Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals are heading to the Super Bowl Jason Rodriguez: Twitter

The Cardinals will advance to their second Super Bowl. This matchup is going to be the one everyone will be tuned into. These teams have really good defenses that have been the key to their success this season. Who ever wins this game on Sunday, it will be the second time in their respective history to make it to the big game.

Both teams are coming off hard fought wins from this past weekend. The question is how healthy are the Carolina Panthers going to be because it seemed like some of the players on team suffered injuries last week. Arizona is coming off a bizarre win over the Packers that went to overtime. The question I have is will they be able to establish the run against a very good Panthers defense who was ranked in the top 10 in stopping the run?

Carson Palmer will need to be very careful with the football because some of the throws he made last week were dropped by the Packers’ defensive secondary. I think Palmer will want to get revenge for the horrific performance his team put up against the Panthers last season.

Cam Newton will need to step up his game this time because the Cardinals’ defense is much better than they were last season when they faced off in the Wild Card game. In the second half of the game last weekend, Newton and the Panthers’ offense looked lost and didn’t look like they did the whole season. They also have plenty of players who have stepped up tremendously this season.

It will be interesting to see if Greg Olsen is fully healthy. He looked fine when he came back but we don’t how bad because he looked like he was in pain when he was on the sidelines. It will be a battle at the line of scrimmage because I believe both teams are capable of winning the championship this year. I believe it will come down to which special teams unit will be able to make the big play. I think it won’t be a high scoring game as it will be in the mid 20’s and the Cardinals will win by 3 and move onto Super Bowl 50.

Next: Panthers will leave victorious

Panthers will leave victorious Danielle McCartan: Twitter – Facebook

Based on the Arizona Cardinals’ showing against the Green Bay Packers last week, I am forced to choose the Carolina Panthers to win the NFC Championship this week. The Cardinals’ quarterback, Carson Palmer, who has been phenomenal this season, looked and played like a terrified rookie.

Arizona was fortunate to have that catch-and-run by Larry Fitzgerald in overtime, but, in my opinion, it should not have even gotten to that point. Palmer should have never forced his throw in the end zone that ended in an interception in the fourth quarter. The Packers’ defense was not nearly as dominant last week as the Carolina Panthers’ will be this week.

Cornerback Josh Norman will, inevitably, shut down Fitzgerald downfield. Expect to hear New Jersey native and Wayne Hills High School graduate, Greg Olsen’s number called often this Sunday. One of quarterback Cam Newton’s favorite targets in the red zone, he was fifth among all tight ends this season in touchdowns scored (7).

An inevitable tweak to the Panthers’ game plan this week will be to re-involve wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. Prior to last week, he scored six touchdowns in the last four games of the regular season. Last week, he was only targeted one time: that’s a cardinal sin. I am choosing the Carolina Panthers to punch the NFC’s ticket to Super Bowl 50.

Next: Panthers will continue to roll

Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) celebrates on the sideline after defeating the Seattle Seahawks 31-24 in the NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers will continue to roll Christopher Stephano: Twitter

Manning vs Brady always makes for great football. However, one could readily argue that the NFC championship game -featuring the Panthers and Cardinals- is an even better game.

The Panthers and Cardinals combined to lose four games all season. Additionally, these teams feature the top two scoring offenses in football and top ten defenses (points allowed).

The individual story lines are equally compelling. Gritty veterans Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald seek their first ring with the Cardinals. However, in order to advance to the Super Bowl, they’ll have to outscore MVP Cam Newton and the Panthers’ offense.

Newton has taken huge strides this season, and his career year will not be in vain. The Panthers continue to roll, defeating the Cardinals in a close game.

Panthers: 35 Cardinals: 28

Next: Newton will be key

Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Newton will be key Todd Gerstenhaber: Twitter

The Cardinals narrowly escaped a seemingly rejuvenated Packers team while the Panthers fended off the defending NFC champs after jumping out to a 31-0 lead that had everyone ready to hand them the Lombardi Trophy one half into their playoff run. Both teams are right where we thought they would be, as they are the cream of the crop in the NFC.

Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton himself has scored more touchdowns than all but a handful of NFL teams, which is a huge reason why he was named NFL MVP earlier this week. His rushing ability along with his relative durability makes the discussion of quarterback hits pretty irrelevant.

Carson Palmer, like Newton, won a Heisman and was the top pick in the draft in which he entered. When you get this far into an NFL season, the difference between the teams sitting at home and the teams still playing is usually quarterback play.

Aaron Rodgers was the better quarterback on the field against the Cardinals last weekend. If Larry Fitzgerald did not make plays with his legs, I think we would be talking about a Packers team peaking at the right time and possibly beating the Panthers. It’s apparent to me based on how shaky Palmer looked at times that the big spotlight is not his thing, thus making the infectious attitude of Cam Newton – which has rubbed off on his entire team – a “major key” to a Panthers win.

Score: Panthers 35, Cardinals 20

Next: Panthers win a close one

Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers strong safety Roman Harper (41) and free safety Tre Boston (33) celebrate during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers win a close one Paul Esden Jr.: Twitter – Facebook

Both of these teams showed flaws in the Divisional round, Carson Palmer and this offense hasn’t looked the same in weeks and the Carolina Panthers nearly let a 31-point advantage slip away. But ultimately both teams were able to hold off their opponents to advance to this point.

This is the real Super Bowl for me, whoever wins this game is the favorite in the Super Bowl whether it’s the Panthers or the Cardinals. This game is one of match-ups: trench warfare between the Cardinals’ inconsistent offensive line against the Panthers’ scary front seven.

That will be one of the important battles within the game, but the most important one for me will be the perimeter game for the Cardinals on offense and defense. They have all the weapons in the world on the outside with: Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, John Brown, JJ Nelson etc. Can the Panthers even match-up?

While on the defensive side of the ball, clearly the Panthers don’t have the best wide receiving corps in the league, which should give the advantage to this defensive secondary led by Patrick Peterson. It’ll be a back and forth affair that’ll live up to the billing, but when in doubt, I go with Super Cam to the rescue.

Panthers win 35 to 31 and advance to their first Super Bowl in over a decade.

Next: Panthers win with style

Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera reacts on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers win with style Ryan Patti: Twitter

This is the matchup we’ve all been waiting for. The two undisputed best teams in the NFC are playing for a trip to the Super Bowl, as they should be. Carolina has been near-perfect throughout the year bringing a new and exciting brand of football to the table. Arizona on the other hand has showed they can pour it on any team in the league, although they avoided quite the scare last week vs. Green Bay.

Both of these teams are stacked from top to bottom with talent. However, defense will be the deciding factor between who goes home and who gets a chance to hoist their first Lombardi trophy. The Seahawks almost mounted an enormous comeback against the Panthers and the Packers almost miraculously took down the Cardinals, so both defensive units must improve on Sunday.

Even though these teams are so evenly matched, Ron Rivera’s group will come out on top in style. The Panthers have developed a winning formula in Charlotte, North Carolina. They bring in veterans and they ball-out as if they’re in their primes once again. Kurt Coleman, Roman Harper, Jared Allen, Cortland Finnegan, Jerricho Cotchery and Ted Ginn Jr. are all players who have excelled in this system. Expect the Panthers to “Keep Pounding” their way into the Super Bowl.

Prediction: Panthers 31-20

Next: Cardinals win a thriller

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates after scoring the winning touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during overtime in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals win a thriller Mark Kelly: Twitter

This game marks the first time in NFL Postseason history that two former Heisman Trophy winning quarterbacks face off as Cam Newton (2010 Heisman Trophy Winner at Auburn) takes on Carson Palmer (2002 Heisman Trophy Winner at USC).

During the regular season, the Panthers outscored their opponents by 12 points per game and the Cardinals outscored their opponents by 11 points per game, first and second respectively in the NFL. This marks the sixth time over the last 20 years that the top two teams in points per game differential met in the Conference Championship or Super Bowl (From the Elias Sports Bureau):

Top 2 Teams in PPG Diff

Met in Conf Champ or Super Bowl Last 20 Years

       1st          2nd            Round

2015   Panthers     Cardinals      NFC Champ

2014   Patriots<<   Seahawks       SB XLIX

2013   Broncos      Seahawks<<     SB XLVIII

2002   Eagles       Buccaneers<<   NFC Champ

2000   Raiders      Ravens<<       AFC Champ

1996   Packers<<    Panthers       NFC Champ

>>Won

What this tell me is that this is going to be a close game just like the last eight NFC Championship games. which have all been decided by seven points or fewer. Prior to this stretch, there had never been more than two consecutive championship games (in respective conferences) decided by one possession during the Super Bowl era.

Also, looking at the overall numbers for these two teams, they are eerily similar.

Cardinals at Panthers

Regular Season Stats

             Cardinals       Panthers

W-L            13-3            15-1              

PPG            30.6            31.3

Opp. PPG       19.6            19.3

TO Diff.         +9             +20

The one slight difference is in turnover differential where although the Panthers had the advantage during the regular season, I like the Cardinals to win that battle on Sunday. In a battle of Number 1 overall picks, (Palmer 2003, Newton 2011), I think Palmer will be one play better than Cam Newton this Sunday, but this is a very tough call.

However, I like the way Palmer brought the Cardinals back in the fourth quarter, leading them on 14-play 80-yardd go-ahead touchdown drive to give them a 17-13 lead. Then, when most were still getting over the shock of watching Green Bay tie the game on a Hail Mary pass, Palmer connected with Larry Fitzgerald, setting up the Cardinals on the 5-yard line where he would find Fitzgerald again to send Arizona to the NFC Championship. That kind of toughness breathes confidence, and I think now is the time for Palmer and the Cardinals.

Compare that to the second half for the Panthers, who seemingly were content to rest their explosive first half that saw them take a 31-0 lead. However, in getting outscored 24-0 in the second half, that sets a dangerous precedent. The Panthers are just the 3^rd team to be shut out in the second half of a playoff win in the last 15 seasons. The previous two teams both lost their next game.

Cardinals  27 Panthers   23

Next: Cardinals win big

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) celebrates with wide receiver Jaron Brown (13) after catching a pass for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals win big Mike Nash: Twitter

I am very excited for this game. Carolina comes in boasting an impressive 16-1 record overall and has talent at all positions. Quarterback Cam Newton is playing the best football of his career, while the defense led by all pro linebacker Luke Kuechly is on a roll. On the flip side, Arizona comes in red hot off a thrilling overtime win against the Packers in which we saw Larry Fitzgerald take over the game late.

I like Arizona in this one. While the Panthers are playing great ball, I think Arizona has too much firepower on offense for the Panthers’ secondary to handle. Look for  Michael Floyd, Fitzgerald and John Brown to step up big time in the Cardinals big victory over the Panthers.

Next: Cardinals' offense too good to stop

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) reacts as he celebrates a play against the Green Bay Packers during an NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals’ offense too good to stop Paul Harris: Twitter

Looking at this game, I see two teams that are probably going to win the Super Bowl in my opinion. Whoever comes out on top will easily handle their business against the AFC, but who will it be? You have the Panthers who just dominated the Seahawks (for most of the game), as well as the Cardinals who got a true team win as Aaron Rodgers almost sent Palmer and Fitzgerald home late in the game.

My biggest concern for the Panthers is their ability to perform in the second half. We witnessed last week the 31-0 lead slowly get chipped away as the Seahawks stormed back in the second half but failed to recover a late onside kick thanks to Thomas Davis. The Cardinals on the other hand have the more complete roster.

Carson Palmer is playing the best football of his career and his offense is clicking on all cylinders week in and week out. You never know when David Johnson is going to go off which is going to keep the Panthers’ defense on its heels. Larry Fitzgerald is also on another level after last week and his monster second half as he simply carried the Cardinals to the NFC championship.

This game is going to be everything but boring as we see the best two teams in the NFC face off, but at the end of the day, the Cardinals’ offense will simply put up more points and Cam’s luck will run out against Patrick Peterson and company.

Cardinals 29 Panthers 24

Next: Panthers will devour Cardinals

Jan 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (82) catches a touchdown as Tampa Bay Buccaneers free safety Keith Tandy (37) and cornerback Alterraun Verner (21) defend in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers will devour Cardinals Steven Blush: Twitter

How and when did the Cardinals and the Panthers become among the league’s most dominating franchises?  And do such developments hold promise for Gang Green’s future moving forward?

The Panthers locker room is led by WR Jerricho Cotchery — the most veteran Jets-drafted player in the NFL — who begged out of Rex Ryan’s circus in 2011.  Jets coach Todd Bowles’ ex Arizona employers include backup quarterback Drew Stanton, a Jet for eight days in 2012 during the Tim Tebow fiasco.

Carson Palmer finally won his first playoff game last week, and he really didn’t deserve it, with his worst performance in memory.  Cam Newton has only lost one game in two years, and his young team is brimming with confidence.

Everyone rightly talks about Arizona’s inspirational coach Bruce Arians and his suffocating defense.  But look at how disciplined and dominating Carolina’s defense played last week against Seattle — so don’t be surprised if those hungry Panthers devour the Cardinals.

Next: Cardinals walk away with victory

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) is tackled by Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) in the first quarter of a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals walk away with victory Matthew Ordazzo: Twitter

Arizona versus Carolina has to be mine as well as everyone else’s favorite match-up of the weekend. I have the Cardinals walking away with the victory advancing to the Super Bowl. If there is one element of Carolina that does not get the credit it deserves it has to be their defensive secondary.

However, Josh Norman is just one person and one man can not lead an entire defense to victory, it takes an overall team effort. The Panthers’ injured secondary has allowed a trio of 300-yard passers which includes rookie Jameis Winston. Carson Palmer is entering this game with an incredibly deep offensive threat of weapons such as David Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Darren Fells, John Brown and Michael Floyd, imagine what that offense could do to the Panthers?

Don’t get me wrong, the Panthers have had an incredible season and are an immensely talented team, but their biggest offensive threats are Cam Newton, Johnathan Stewart and Greg Olsen. Stewart suffered an ankle injury in the second half of their game against the Seahawks this past weekend.

As long as the Cardinals’ defensive front can apply consistent pressure on Newton and Arizona’s offense can pick apart the Panthers’ secondary, the Cardinals will be on their way to another Super Bowl appearance. I have Arizona walking away with a 31-24 victory over Carolina.

Next: Panthers win in front of their home crowd

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers fans react in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 38-0 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos are going to the Super Bowl Genna Preston: Twitter – Facebook

This weekend, the Arizona Cardinals and the Carolina Panthers battle for the NFC championship. Both teams have a few advantages however, some outweigh others.

The Panthers’ defense destroyed the Seattle Seahawks last week including an interception returned for a touchdown. Last week, the Cardinals had only 40 yards on 19 carries and forfeited three sacks.

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However, the Panthers’ secondary is going to have to control Larry Fitzgerald. He has a career high of 109 receptions and the Panthers rank 13^th against the position.

The Panthers haven’t hosted an NFC title game since 1995 and are coming to make a statement. They have won their last 12 home games and this weekend looks to make it 13. I am going with Carolina for the NFC title.