NFL Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers May Be Most Dangerous Team In NFL Playoffs

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By @julieswartz86

Panthers dominate Cardinals in Wildcard round of NFC playoffs

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Despite their below .500 record entering the postseason, the Carolina Panthers proved Saturday that they are true contenders in the NFC, beating the Arizona Cardinals 27-16. Like they say, everyone starts at 0-0 when the playoffs begin, and the Panthers showed why that statement is relevant.

A big story in this game was the poor performance of the Cardinals’ special teams.

They continued to give the Panthers great field position throughout the game with muffed punts, short punts and a Tedd Ginn Jr. fumble on a return that ultimately led to a Panthers touchdown. Cam Newton was able to capitalize on many of these opportunities, showing that he is as strong as ever since that terrible car accident he was involved in just two weeks ago.

The Panthers’ defense made a huge statement in this game, holding the Cardinals’ offense to only 108 total yards.

Linebacker Luke Kuechly, the current NFL leader in tackles this season, was his usual dominant self. He recorded eight tackles in just the first half, and had a key interception early in the fourth quarter when the Cardinals were deep in Panthers’ territory. This was the play that, in my opinion, put the game away for Carolina.

The Panthers started getting hot at just the right time this season, and it continued in Saturday’s game. All I can say is, I would not want to face them in the upcoming weeks. They are a well-rounded team with a lot of momentum and a force to be reckoned with in these 2015 playoffs.

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