Carolina Panthers

Panthers Game Day: Arizona Cardinals - Week 8

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Rested and more healthy, can the Carolina Panthers get back on track following their bye…

Expected to be an epic battle of two NFC powerhouse teams when the schedules were released, both the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals are struggling to regain momentum from last season. Meeting in the NFC Championship last year with a Super Bowl berth on the line, both teams were believed to be contenders again this time around. While that may still be the case, each has some serious work to do in order to make that a reality and whoever wins on Sunday will be taking the first steps toward getting that accomplished.

Currently at 3-3-1, the Cardinals have been performing sporadically throughout the season. At times, they look like the NFC Championship game attendees and at others not so much. Despite their current situation they are in second place among the NFC West, but have suffered losses to the Patriots, Bills, and Rams before tying Seattle last Sunday night. Arguably, their wins have not come against the best competition, making them a difficult team to judge.

Opposite, the Carolina Panthers have struggled on defense all season. Ranking 26th against the pass, Arizona’s receivers like Larry Fitzgerald have to be excited about the matchup. Hopefully, rookie corner James Bradberry returns to the lineup but he has been limited in practice this week and is expected to be a game time decision. If he doesn’t suit up, Carolina could be in for another long afternoon facing quarterback Carson Palmer.

2016 SEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-5) vs. ARIZONA CARDINALS (3-3-1)

KICKOFF: 1:00 PM EDT

TV: FOX

LOCATION: BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM

WEATHER: 84 degrees, 52% humidity, WSW 6 mph wind, 10% precipitation

LAST MEETING: 49-15, CAR – Jan. 24, 2016 *NFC Championship Game

Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

KEY MATCH-UP: Carolina Offensive Line vs. Arizona Pass Rush

While the battle between Arizona’s wide receiving group and hopefully a healthy Panthers secondary is intriguing, it lacks luster this week due to injuries. Arizona still has Fitzgerald, but John Brown is questionable and Michael Floyd continues to battle a hamstring issue. While Carolina obviously needs to contain whoever is running routes, the true battle lies on the opposite side of the football this week.

The Carolina Panthers have struggled to protect quarterback Cam Newton this season, allowing 15 sacks in just six games. With left tackle Michael Oher remaining in the concussion protocol for over a month, Mike Remmers will again be asked to fill his void. Unfortunately, Remmers has allowed near the most quarterback pressures in the entire league. Their challenge this Sunday, only the third most productive pass rushing team in Arizona with 20 sacks.

According to Pro Football Focus, Newton’s pass rating is 96.4 when releasing the ball in 2.5 seconds or less. When over 2.5, his rating falls to 63.1 meaning Carolina will need to offer protection but also develop quick hitting routes to up their efficiency. Last season, the Panthers rolled over Arizona on their way to Super Bowl 50 and the Cardinals would obviously like to avenge that loss. It won’t happen Sunday as Carolina is healthy, refocused, and in front of their home crowd – Panthers win.

PREDICTION: Panthers – 27, Cardinals – 24