The Carolina Panthers obliterated the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, 49-15. They forced seven turnovers, four of which were in the first half. They totally dominated the game from start to finish.
The Cardinals never had a foothold in the game. Carson Palmer was constantly under pressure, throwing four interceptions and fumbling twice. In the first half, they started slowly as the Panthers jumped out to a quick 17-0 lead. The Cardinals answered with a score of their own. They started to make a comeback, but things quickly changed after Patrick Peterson’s muffed punt. Peterson would redeem himself later in the quarter with a 70-yard interception return. However, Carson Palmer gave it right back to the Panthers on the next play. That pretty much summed up the Cardinals day.
The Carolina running game worked well all game for them. They used different formations to confuse the Cardinals defense. The read-option kept them on their toes all night. Jonathan Stewart was able to find big holes in the defense. Cam Newton also became the only QB to throw for 300 yards and run for two TDs in a NFC Championship game.
The defense of Carolina factored into the win in a major way. Aside from the seven turnovers, they constantly put Carson Palmer under pressure. Cardinals running back David Johnson had a decent day, but the Panthers routinely penetrated the offensive line of Arizona. Their corners shut down Cardinals receivers all day, which was no small feat. Keeping the likes of Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, Michael Floyd, and JJ Nelson quiet was impressive.
This game was more about the dominance of the Panthers than the demise of the Cardinals. The Panthers showed they are a complete team from top to bottom. They can run, pass, block, rush, and play overall great football. They will have a legitimate shot at winning the Super Bowl in two weeks!
