The Division Showdowns: Arizona at Carolina

Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers- Saturday 8:15 PM ET on FOX

These two teams squared off in week 8 of the 2008 season. In that game, the Cardinals jumped out to a 17-3 lead. However, the Panthers would put up 21 points in the third quarter, as well as a field goal in the fourth quarter, to defeat the Cardinals 27-23.

Kurt Warner and his trio of receivers (Boldin, Fitzgerald and Breaston) dominated the passing attack for the Cardinals. Warner threw for 381 yards and two touchdowns. The Panthers never gave up more passing yards then in the game against the Cardinals.

It seems unlikely that the Cards will have the same kind of success. It seems harder knowing that the Panthers will focus much of their defense on the passing attack. However, the Falcons couldn't stop the Cardinals, so anything is possible.

The key for the Panthers is the running game. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are a true 1-2 combo punch. Williams and Stewart represent 2351 of the 2437 rushing yards for the Panthers this season. The Panthers ran for 30 touchdowns this season, best in the NFL.

The Cardinals are in the middle of the pack when it comes to giving up rushing yards. However, the Cardinals managed to shut down the Michael Turner attack, holding him to only 42 yards.

My Pick: The Cardinals have had their great deal of road woes this season. They're 3-5 on the road. So I don't think they could pull it off. I'm picking the Panthers.

Tomorrow, I'll profile the NFC match-up.

NFL Preview Show Extravaganza: Carolina Panthers

This week, our NFL Preview of the 32 teams is goin' South. We will profile all 4 teams in the NFC South. Today though, our focus is on the Carolina Panthers.

Is it me, or do we expect too much from the Panthers. It seems like everytime somebody predicts them to win the Super Bowl, they always fall short. When we don't expect anything from the Panthers, they always do well.

Last season, the Panthers went 7-9, finishing tied for second in a weak NFC South. This happened after the Panthers started four quarterbacks for the season. These four were Vinny Testaverde, Matt Moore, David Carr and Jake Delhomme. None of these quarterbacks threw for 1000 yards in the season, or even 10 touchdowns.

This season, only Delhomme and Moore are back for this season. All signs point to Delhomme starting. Of course, it all depends on Delhomme staying healthy.

One starter on offense won't be playing for Carolina in 2008 and that is Deshaun Foster. This means that DeAngelo Williams will now be carrying the load for the Panthers this season. However, he won't be alone as rookie running back Jonathan Stewart will be playing second chair. If all goes well, this 1-2 combo can take pressure off of Delhomme.

The Panthers will open up the 2008 NFL season on the road as they travel to sunny San Diego to take on the Chargers. The Panthers have notable home games against Chicago, Kansas City, Arizona and Denver. Notable road games for the Panthers include some against Oakland, Minnesota and New York (Giants):

Time for those burnin' questions (Yearbook style):

• Starting quarterback in 2008: Jake Delhomme (I think)
  
  
• Leading rusher in 2008: DeAngelo Williams- 1200 yards
  
  
• Rushing yards for Jonathan Stewart: 786 yards
  
  
• Leading receiver: Steve Smith- 1250 yards
  
  
• Chances John Fox is fired at end of season: 0%
  
  
• Number of sacks for Julius Peppers: 8 (Barring injury)
  
  
• Coolest names (Top 3): Maake Kemoeatu, Toniu Fonoti, Brad Hoover (Dan Conner gets honorable mention)
  
  
• 80s song that best describes team: Second Chance - 38 Special
  
  
• In 2008, the Panthers will: Finish the season 9-7, in second place
  

Hump Day Pt. 2: The Carolina Panthers

It's part two of the Hump Day edition. Today we continue covering the NFC South.

The Panthers finished the season in second place, going 8-8 and just missing out on a spot in the Wild Card.

The Panthers drafted LB Jon Beason out of Miami with their first round pick in this year's draft. They also drafted WR Dwayne Jarrett out of USC, in the second round.

The Panthers open up the regular season on the road, as they take on the Rams. They also face the Colts at home, the Titans on the road, and both the Seahawks and the Cowboys at home.

Time for the best part of the show, the burnin Yearbook Style questions:

1. DeShaun Foster will: Be the teams leading rusher
2. DeAngelo Williams will: Lead the team in touchdowns
3. Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett will be: A powerful WR combo, just like at USC (Note: Not the Steve Smith drafted with the Giants)
4. Most likely to succeed as QB for Panthers in 2007: Jake Delhomme
5. David Carr will: Be sacked
6. John Fox will: Be a candidate for the NY Giants coaching job
7. Kiss song that best describes the team: I Stole Your Love
8. In 2007, the Panthers will: Go 8-8, missing the playoffs

See you guys tomorrow

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