Carolina Panthers

Panthers Report Card: Week 8 vs. Cardinals

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

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The Carolina Panthers got back on track on Sunday in their 30-20 win over the Cardinals. And all three phases of the game were clicking in this one.

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) scrambles away from Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Markus Golden (44) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

QUARTERBACK

B+It wasn’t an over the top or especially stellar day for Cam Newton but it was certainly a solid one that helped to lead Carolina to a much needed victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Newton’s stats were by no means flashy – 14 of 27 for 212 yards and 43 yards on seven carries – but he was able to pick up yards when the team needed them and hit his receivers for big gains to keep the offense moving and consistently put points on the board.

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

RUNNING BACK

AThe star of Sunday’s offensive showing was absolutely running back Jonathan Stewart who allowed the Panthers’ offense to get back to basics and pound the ball at will to keep the chains moving. Stewart racked up 95 hard earned yards on 25 carries and reached the end zone twice in this contest. Along with Newton, Stewart was the key cog in Carolina 141 rushing yards to spark the offense and get them back to their basic philosophy of creating opportunities through the run game.

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

WIDE RECEIVER & TIGHT END

B-Carolina’s receiving corps had a so-so day on Sunday afternoon making some keys plays when they needed to but overall coming up average overall. Kelvin Benjamin led the way two catches for 73 yards including a big 50-yard reception to set up the Panthers third touchdown of the game. Ted Ginn Jr. led the team in catches with five for 53 coming up big a number of times to extend drives for Carolina. Devin Funchess was the only other Panthers’ receiver to make much of an impact as he caught three passes for 38 yards. With Newton only completing 14 passes for 212 yards there wasn’t too much to go around in this one, but with the way the running game produced there didn’t need to be.

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Daryl Williams (60) and guard Trai Turner (70) protect quarterback Cam Newton (1) in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

OFFENSIVE LINE

AWhile Stewart and Newton provided the production, the offensive line certainly deserves their dues in creating holes for their playmakers and allowing their offense to get into rhythm and stay in it. With Michael Oher still out with a concussion Mike Remmers and Daryl Williams continued at their respective tackle positions and played extremely well to help pave the way for the Panthers 141 rushing yards. They also were able to keep Newton in a clean pocket and allowed just one sack and four QB hits on the day. Even without their All-Pro center Ryan Kalil, who went down with an injury, the line didn’t miss a beat with Gino Gradkowski and were a major factor in the offense’s performance.Next: DEFENSE & SPECIAL TEAMS

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) gets sacked by Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (98) during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

DEFENSIVE LINE

A+After being seen as one of the primary reasons for the Panthers dismal start to the season, this unit came out of the bye week with a chip on their shoulders and something to prove. And they did just that. Led by Star Lotulelei’s big three sack day, the defensive line racked up five of the D’s eight total sacks on the day which included one from Kawann Short and Charles Johnson as well. Lotulelei also contributed in a bug way with his strip of Carson Palmer on the first drive of the game which resulted in a defensive score. Kony Ealy joined the party as well picking off a Palmer pass late in the game to help the team seal the victory.

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) scores a touchdown as middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) celebrates in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

LINEBACKER

A+With the defense clicking like they did on Sunday, the Panthers’ stud duo of linebackers was no exception to the success. Thomas Davis scored the game’s first touchdown – and the first of his career – on Lotulelei’s strip sack and logged six tackles while Luke Kuechly racked up six of his own and added a sack and a pass deflection as well. The All-Pro linebackers had experienced plenty of success in games prior to this one but were helped out hugely by the play of their front four and played their part in suffocating Cardinals’ RB David Johnson who rushed for just 24 yards on 10 carries.

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive back Leonard Johnson (23) breaks up a two point conversion pass during the fourth quarter intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Cardinals 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

SECONDARY

B+If the defensive line wasn’t the primary reason for the Panthers’ recent struggles it was certainly the team’s defensive backs. But this week they looked as if they have taken a massive step forward. With Robert McClain and Leonard Johnson back from injury the unit stepped up and played an excellent overall game. Johnson in particular had a solid showing racking up eight tackle and a sack with a key pass breakup late in the game. Rookie Daryl Worley was also huge in this one leading the team with 11 tackles and while notching a sack of his own. With a much needed spark from Johnson and the impending return of James Bradberry, this unit is certainly trending up.

Aug 26, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers kicker Graham Gano (9) stretches prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Bank of America Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Panthers 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

SPECIAL TEAMS

*All stats and info via ESPN.com