Reviewing the Key Matchups: Cardinals @ Panthers

I won't lie, that was a fun game to watch, at least the 2nd half. While I had my doubts (big doubts I admit) during the first half, the team turned it around after halftime. I did this a few week ago but haven't done a review of the the key matchups since but thought I would try it again.

Cardinals QB Kurt Warner vs Panthers FS Charles Godfrey

Charles Godfrey had 5 tackles, but his biggest wasn't on a pass from Kurt Warner but from the Cardinals Punter/Kick holder Dirk Johnson on the fake field goal. I've gotten tired of the timeout to ice the kicker lately (although I don't think there should be a rule against it). But the timeout by Fox was HUGE. Instead of rekicking the field goal the the Cardinals faked it and Godfrey on the heads up made the tackle 4 yards short of the first down.

Cardinals RT Levi Brown vs Panthers DE Charles Johnson

Here are Charles Johnson's stats: 2 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. Yeah, he had a big day. But it gets even better. Here are when those plays took place.

Do you remember what setup the fake field goal play? I didn't until I read the play-by-play.

3-5-CAR 11 (1:56) - (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner sacked at CAR 18 for -7 yards (95-C.Johnson). FUMBLES (95-C.Johnson), recovered by ARI-75-L.Brown at CAR 21. 75-L.Brown to CAR 21 for no gain (96-T.Brayton).

If it wasn't for Johnson the field goal play may never of happened. Then he doesn't show up on the play-by-play until 7:18 in the 4th quarter.

2-20-ARI 38 (7:18) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner sacked at ARI 32 for -6 yards (95-C.Johnson).

The Cardinals only had two more plays in the game after that sack and one was a punt. Johnson was a force on the field and is making a name for himself.

Panthers RT Jeremy Bridges vs Cardinals DT Darnell Dockett

It's hard to judge a offensive lineman if you don't see the game. The only thing you can kind of look at is the person they are lined up against. Dockett's stat line was 2 tackles. Seems he held his own.

Overall the Panthers OL only allowed 1 sack this game. Again showing they are playing well. Saying this line has played two whole games together its a wonder what the regular starts will do. While I'm sure Kalili and Otah will be back in the lineup, it's almost hard to mess with a good thing. Although if a good thing can get better I guess you better mess with it.

Panthers WR Dwayne Jarrett vs Cardinals CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

This call depends on what you consider a big day. Jarrett was thrown to four times, catching two of them for 25 yards. All four were on 3rd down attempts. While the two incomplete passes didn't keep the drive alive. Here's the lowdown on the two completions.

The first one was during the 2nd quarter that keep the drive from going three and out and eventually resulted in 3 points by Kasey. The other reception was during our last drive of the day to once again keep the drive alive and the ball out of Kurt's hot hand.

After a bad first half by Panthers, they came out swinging during the 2nd half and threw down the hammer. Key players made the key plays (yeah lame, get over it :P) and clawed their way back to a victory.