Arizona Cardinals: Top 3 match ups to watch vs. Carolina

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

3. David Johnson vs. Panthers Defensive Line

In the last month of the season, David Johnson was the NFL’s leading rusher. Johnson looked anything but in Arizona Cardinals’ divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers. On 15 carries, David Johnson was only able to accumulate 35 rushing yards. Arizona will have a tough time beating the Panthers if they aren’t competitive in the rushing game. Unfortunately, with the unreliability of Kerwynn Williams and Stepfan Taylor, this task relies solely on the rookie third round pick.

The offensive line will need to over power the Panthers defensive line and create holes for Johnson to run through. However, once in a while David Johnson will need to do some improvising if the game and give himself a chance to make a play. While the game will ultimately be decided by Carson Palmer, things will be much easier for him if Johnson is able to move the ball efficiently on the ground against the NFL’s fourth ranked rushing defense.

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