Carolina Panthers Weekly Predictions
Saturday, 12 September 2009

David Utnick, NFC South Analyst  


ImageCarolina Panthers @ Arizona Cardinals

I thought we would be talking today about the resurgent Carolina Panthers who after starting 0-3, climbed their way to 3-3 after beating some bad teams.  Well the Panthers did not show up again against the Buffalo Bills led by backup QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.  He was not spectacular at 11/22 for 123 yards, 1 TD but most importantly ZERO interceptions.  These are the types of games Jake Delhomme needs to start having, the Panthers will not win when Delhomme throws the ball 40+ times.  He was picked off 3 times against Buffalo bringing his season total to 13 INTS on 177 attempts, or about 1 INT per about 13 attempts.                                                         

Of course if Delhomme is throwing his way off the field, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathon Stewart are not getting their touches.  23 rushes combined last week for 114 yards is very solid production from the running game, but only amounted to 1 offensive score.                                                                                                                         

The Arizona Cardinals are going in a very different direction, coming off a big win on Sunday night handing the New York Giants their second loss of the season.  Nobody seems to be talking about the Cardinals who at 4-2 lead the very weak NFC West will win the division if they can hold off an 49ers team who is stumbling after their hot start.                                                                                                                                

The Cardinals rush D is ranked #1 in football shutting down running backs week after week.  66 yards on 13 carries by Maurice Jones Drew Week 2 is the highest total any running back has reached against the Cardinals D this season.  If they have the same effect of Williams/Stewart, the Jake Delhomme will have to throw more than planned and you can chalk up another win for the Cards.


Players to watch

Darnell Dockett—DE Cardinals 

The Cardinals leader on the D line will be in the middle of all of the carries by Panther RBs.

Steve Smith—WR

Looking to build on his first solid game all season.


Prediction

Cardinals


Questions? Comments?

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