Arizona Cardinals: Ranking the Cardinals’ 3 Easiest Games
By Baily Deeter
3. Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers, October 6
Dec 30, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) gets treated on the field by trainers following a play against the New Orleans Saints during second half of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Carolina Panthers defeated the New Orleans Saints 44-38. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
In 2011, the Arizona Cardinals took down the Carolina Panthers in Week 1 in a close game. In 2013, the game may not be so close.
Carolina went 7-9 in 2012 and finished the season very strong. However, the Panthers started their season off on the wrong foot for a second straight year, as they won two of their first 10 games. Arizona won its first four games to start off the 2012 season, so the two teams headed off in completely different directions from the start of the season.
Arizona has a new team, but with a full offseason, four preseason games and four regular season games, the team should have solid chemistry. Arizona will be at home in this game, and it will be coming off of two fairly challenging road games at New Orleans and Tampa Bay. The Panthers will be coming off of their bye week, so they will be rested. However, after just three weeks of action, a bye week isn’t completely necessary.
If the Panthers aren’t prepared, the Cardinals will pounce and build a lead. Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald have the potential to form one of the most dangerous quarterback-receiver duos, and Andre Roberts and Ryan Swope will both be able to spread the field and get deep with their speed. Carolina has a stellar pass rush, but the Cardinals have the depth and the talent on their revamped offensive line to handle Carolina’s pass-rushers.
The Cardinals should be able to pounce on the Panthers and take home a relatively easy win. Arizona has more weapons around its quarterback, and Palmer is more experienced than Newton. If Daryl Washington’s suspension isn’t extended, he will be back for this game, which would help against the pass and against Cam Newton’s running a lot. Arizona’s defense has the athleticism to stop Carolina’s passing attack, and the team definitely has what it takes to take down the Panthers here.