That felt nice.
It’s always good to see the Panthers put everything together and win a football game, and it’s especially nice when wins have been few and far between this season. Admittedly the Panthers allowed the Cardinals to make the game closer than it needed to be in the second half, but beggars can’t be choosers so I’m going to let that slide for the time being. We needed to see the Panthers win, and we needed it badly. They delivered, so now we get to feel good for a week.
The Panthers started this game with a fire that we haven’t seen much this year, and it paid off in the form of an early scoop and score for Thomas Davis (though, if we’re being honest we got away with one because it clearly was an incomplete pass). The offense joined in on the party as well with Jonathan Stewart bullying his way through the Cardinals’ defense for two first-half touchdowns to put the Panthers up 21-0.
A Graham Gano field goal added three points to their lead, and despite allowing the Cardinals to get one touchdown back the Panthers went into halftime with a comfortable 24-7 lead. Two Graham Gano field goals in the third quarter gave the Panthers a 30-7 lead, and it began to look like we were going to be treated to a repeat of last year’s NFC Championship Game.
But, as we’ve seen all year... no lead is safe with this Panthers team.
The Cardinals made a game out of it late as the Panthers decided to stop playing defense. Luckily the gap was too wide and the Cardinals were unable to complete the comeback, and the Panthers notched another number in the win column. Carolina still has a long way to go if they want to get back into the playoff hunt, but every journey begins with one step. Hopefully today was that step.
What I liked...
Panthers Pass Rush — Extremely Optimistic
The Panthers finally found a way to get some pressure on the quarterback. Sure, they had to send the house on blitzes frequently but it paid off when they sacked Carson Palmer eight times and forced two turnovers. Several players on defense finally made impacts, including Kony Ealy, whose late interception prevented a late-game comeback attempt by the Cardinals and sealed the victory for Carolina.
We need to see more of this, Panthers.
Jonathan Stewart — Very Optimistic
The Panthers are a completely different team when Stewart is in the lineup. His ability to get tough yards and his pass protection ability make him a valuable asset to have. He was nearly unstoppable again yesterday, gaining 95 yards on the ground and bulldozing his way to two touchdowns that made the difference between winning and losing. The only reason he’s getting a Very Optimistic instead of an Extremely Optimistic is because of his fumble late in the fourth quarter. It’s a small nit to pick because Ealy got the ball back on the next play, but it’s a small negative on Stewart’s record nonetheless.
Graham Gano — Very Optimistic
He needed a game where he could make three field goals on three attempts and get out of the funk he’s been in recently, and he took advantage of that opportunity yesterday.
Thomas Davis — Very Optimistic
He scored his first career touchdown yesterday (shocking, I know) so that alone gets him some recognition.
Cam Newton — Somewhat Optimistic
If you just look at the box score, Newton didn’t have a great game yesterday. However, he also didn’t have a bad game. He threw for 208 yards and 0 touchdowns, but he also didn’t turn the football over and managed to keep the offense moving the chains for most of the afternoon. I can’t really give him a Very Optimistic or Extremely Optimistic based on his play yesterday, but he does deserve some recognition for managing an offense to victory.
What I didn’t like...
Panthers’ Defense on Arizona’s First Touchdown — Very Pessimistic
Come on, guys. J.J. Nelson was wide open in the corner of the end zone while three defenders stood by and watched him score. I don’t know if it was a miscommunication issue or what, but that’s the kind of stuff that has to go away if the Panthers want to make a serious run to get back into the playoff hunt.
Panthers’ Fourth Quarter Defense — Very Pessimistic
We’re getting tired of seeing would-be blowouts become nail-biters, guys. Our hearts (and livers) can only take so much damage. Please find a way to avoid letting other teams back into the game when you build up a solid lead, and we’ll all be better for it. Thanks.
Lack of Protection for Cam Newton’s Safety — Very Pessimistic
I’m going to avoid getting into the details of why I believe Newton isn’t getting the treatment that other star QBs get when they’re hit in the pocket, because they’ve all been hashed out several times before. The fact of the matter is that it’s pathetic the NFL is allowing this kind of treatment to continue happening to the reigning league MVP. I’ve written several diatribes on this subject already so there’s really nothing else to say on the matter, but it’s depressing that we have to keep bringing it up so often. It would be nice if the NFL would just apply equal protection for all players instead of making it up as they go along.
What’s next?
A trip to Los Angeles to face the Rams and an opportunity to start a winning streak while improving their record against the NFC West to 3-0.