N0 LyF3 ScRuB
01-20-2016, 11:12 AM
I've been watching Arizona highlights the past few days extensively and have been able to get a good idea of what they are going to try against Carolina after Seattle mini-exposed the DB's that have been stranded by injuries.
For those that don't know, Arizona has three main receivers Fitzgerald (1,200 yards, 9 TD), Brown (1,000 yards, 7 TD) and Floyd (850 yards, 6 TD). Brown and Floyd are real speedsters, something that has been the achilles heel of this DB unit even at it's best. Although somewhat limited, OBJ, Julio Jones and Cobb (all speed receivers) have been able to get big plays on the Carolina D.
I'm convinced that Arizona will try to load the box with 8 on defense and blitz Newton very often. On offense I think they are going to look to pass early and often to Floyd and Brown on long verticals to open up the defense before dumping underneath often to Fitz. I think Norman will be able to keep one in check throughout the game, but it's a lot to ask to keep this high-powered offense in neutral for a full game.
So Arizona can exploit some serious weaknesses.. but will that be enough?
Carolina has shown that their offense is probably the most explosive offense in the league. They steamroll teams early in the games (Packers, Seattle, NYG, Washington), but they have had trouble finishing. Losing Allen will be a tough loss if he doesn't play considering he has actually played very well these past two games. Add that in to the fact that Palmer has looked shaky in the playoffs and his finger injury, I think Carolina is rightfully the slight favorite in the game. Newton has played very well this year, and I'm convinced if he's at his best (which he didn't need to be nearly at all against Seattle) then there's no way any team beats Carolina. There's just so many ways Carolina can beat you.
It remains to be seen if Arizona can stop the Carolina run game, but that will be the key. The DB's against the Cardinals WR's is an important match, but I also think it's key that our front 6-7 keep pressure often and early.
For those that don't know, Arizona has three main receivers Fitzgerald (1,200 yards, 9 TD), Brown (1,000 yards, 7 TD) and Floyd (850 yards, 6 TD). Brown and Floyd are real speedsters, something that has been the achilles heel of this DB unit even at it's best. Although somewhat limited, OBJ, Julio Jones and Cobb (all speed receivers) have been able to get big plays on the Carolina D.
I'm convinced that Arizona will try to load the box with 8 on defense and blitz Newton very often. On offense I think they are going to look to pass early and often to Floyd and Brown on long verticals to open up the defense before dumping underneath often to Fitz. I think Norman will be able to keep one in check throughout the game, but it's a lot to ask to keep this high-powered offense in neutral for a full game.
So Arizona can exploit some serious weaknesses.. but will that be enough?
Carolina has shown that their offense is probably the most explosive offense in the league. They steamroll teams early in the games (Packers, Seattle, NYG, Washington), but they have had trouble finishing. Losing Allen will be a tough loss if he doesn't play considering he has actually played very well these past two games. Add that in to the fact that Palmer has looked shaky in the playoffs and his finger injury, I think Carolina is rightfully the slight favorite in the game. Newton has played very well this year, and I'm convinced if he's at his best (which he didn't need to be nearly at all against Seattle) then there's no way any team beats Carolina. There's just so many ways Carolina can beat you.
It remains to be seen if Arizona can stop the Carolina run game, but that will be the key. The DB's against the Cardinals WR's is an important match, but I also think it's key that our front 6-7 keep pressure often and early.