Carolina Panthers

Panthers Three Takeaways: Week 8 vs. Cardinals

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

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Week 8 featured a season high eight sacks and bruising running en route to a 30-20 win for the Carolina Panthers.

On Sunday, a desperate team played a desperate game, realizing that their season was in jeopardy, walking away with the win despite entering as the three point underdog.

That desperate team is the Carolina Panthers, and in front of the home crowd at Bank of America Stadium the Panthers moved to 2-5 on the season with a victory over the Arizona Cardinals. While the win is a definite step in the right direction for the team, it unfortunately did not help the Panthers in chasing down the NFC South leading Falcons as Atlanta was able to pick up a victory Sunday against Green Bay.

For the first time in a while, a multitude of positives can be drawn from this game. For the Panthers, this game is exactly what the doctor ordered before a slew of tough west coast opponents face Carolina. So, what exactly were the best aspects Carolina executed on?

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

Turnover Differential, Ferocious Front Seven

Unlike weeks prior, Carolina actually led in turnover differential against Arizona on Sunday forcing two turnovers and only coughing the ball up once. For a team that was first in turnover differential last year, being tied for 28th in the league is a sizable downturn. But, this result is a good start.

The front seven for Carolina was electric on Sunday, holding excellent back David Johnson to 24 yards on 10 carries. In addition, quarterback Carson Palmer was heavily pressured and ultimately sacked eight times, a season high for Carolina.

“As a defensive line, we focused on getting off the ball and creating havoc. We didn’t think about messing up and if we did, we were going 100 miles per hour,” said defensive tackle Kawann Short postgame.

“(This win) gives us our confidence and swagger back. We know what we are capable of. We needed that bye week. We came out and showed it. We still have some work to do, but we’ll focus on that this week,” added Short.

Corners Shine as Well

A huge recognition is in order for rookie corner Daryl Worley, who stepped up his game to a new level on Sunday. Worley led the defense in total tackles with 11 and seemingly appeared to be everywhere at once in the secondary. Newly added nickel corner Leonard Johnson was also fantastic in his season debut, adding eight total tackles and a sack to his name.

With James Bradberry expected back any week now coming off of injury, the starting three corners in the secondary may very well be Bradberry, Worley, and Johnson. While the secondary may not be last season’s in terms of depth or expertise, they possess the ability to hold down one of the best passing attacks in the NFL as long as the front seven can do their job.

Ring the Bell, Jonathan Stewart

Against the Saints a few weeks ago, running back Jonathan Stewart bulldozed into the endzone twice in a losing effort. This week, he bulldozed into the endzone twice again but in a winning effort.

Stewart commented postgame about his plan for running on Sunday, simply stating, “Power running game and getting those guys off the line of scrimmage. That’s what we were doing today.”

Not much has changed in Stewart’s formula since becoming the Panthers premier back a couple seasons ago. Stewart is a north-south runner, with bruising hits and blazing speeds. Stewart’s health in a full time role is cause for concern, but that can best be remedied by having a solid backup in his place to fill his role in case of injury. For now, it is best to just let this bell cow keep ringing.

Next week, the Panthers travel out west to Los Angeles to take on the Rams.

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