The Carolina Panthers came into this game with a 12-4 record. While the Arizona Cardinals had a 9-7 record. The Panthers were on of the favorites in the NFC to make it to the Super Bowl. The Cardinals were considered by many experts one of the worst playoff teams ever.
The Panthers went undefeated at home this year in the regular season. The Cardinals were 0-5 this in the eastern time zone this year.
The Panthers had bye last week to rest their players. While the Arizona Cardinals had to play a wildcard game against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Panthers have DeAngelo Williams. Who finished third in the league with 1,515 rushing yards and first with 18 touchdowns (16 in his last nine games). The Cardinals have Edgerrin James who was benched earlier in the season.
The Panthers have Superstar reciever Steve Smith. The Cardinals were without their Pro Bowl reciever Anquan Boldin. Who tested his injured hamstring in the pregame and decided he wasn't able to play.
If there was a sure thing this weekend this was it.
The game started as I expected as the Carolina Panthers kickoff returner Mark Jones returned opening kickoff to the 50 yard. From there, tt only took Jake Delhomme 2:57 to lead his team to a touchdown on the opening drive of the game. This game was going to be a blowout I could feel it.
The Arizona Cardinals responded to Panthers drive. Putting together a 6 play 60 yard scoring drive of their own.
The Panthers proceeded to give the ball back to the Cardinals when Jake Delhomme was sacked and fumbled the ball. It only took 2 plays for Edgerrin James to score for the Cardinals and the underdogs took the lead.
On the Panthers next drive, they put together a 63 yard drive. Only to have Jake Delhomme throw an interception deep in Cardinals territory. This became the most common theme of the game.
Could we be possibly be seeing an upset in the making?
Not only did the Arizona Cardinals pull off the upset. They absolutely dismantled the Carolina Panthers winning 33-13.
Cardinals Kurt Warner threw for 220 yards and two touchdowns. His counterpart Jake Delhomme threw for 205 yards and one meaningless touchdown. More importantly the Panthers QB threw 5 interceptions.
Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith only caught two passes and didn't have reception until the last minute of the third quarter. Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald had 8 receptions for 166 yards and touchdown.
The combo of Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower rushed for a combined 133 yards. The Panthers combo of Williams and Jonathan Stewart rushed for a combined 75 yards.
The Arizona Cardinals who many considered the worst playoff team in NFL history are headed to the NFC Championship game. Well at least I got to see the blowout I predicted.
Cardinals VS Panthers Highlights
No comments:
Post a Comment