How Do We Measure Up?

[lightsout]

Did it for the Seahawks, so let's do it here. Don't have time to put up too many numbers, but I'll try to later in the week if you guys want me to. This will be more or less me just giving you my take on what the numbers are telling me.

Arizona

PPG: 30.6
Pass YPG: 288.5
Rush YPG: 119.8
TOP: 32:03
Turnover diff.: +9

Carolina

PPG: 31.2
Pass YPG: 224.3
Rush YPG: 142.6
TOP: 32:03
Turnover diff: +20


These are all regular season stats. As you see, pretty level. We run the ball more and more effectively, they pass more. TOP is dead even and that will be a big factor going into this game. If we can sustain long drives and keep our defense rested, particularly our DL, we could be in for a good day. If not, we better put up points in a hurry again.

Each team has played one playoff game, so let's see how the post-season numbers measure up so far.

Arizona

3rd downs: 5/13
Pass first downs: 16
Rush first downs: 2
TOP: 30:51
Turnover diff: -1


Carolina

3rd downs: 8/15
Pass first downs: 12
Rush first downs: 7
TOP: 35:38
Turnover diff: +2


So what does this tell us? Small sample size, but we're more efficient on third down and we do it in a more balanced way. We also did a better job at controlling the football, though that number is skewed slightly to our favor due to a dominant first half last week. We also protect the football better, hence our better turnover differential.


So what about specific to this game, what can we look forward to?

This season, Arizona has mostly played on grass surfaces, so most of their stats in general are in that context. However, their run game has not been very impressive lately. If we can force them into being one dimensional with the passing game and take away the throws between 1 and 20 yards from the LOS, we are in for a day, as most of their yardage and TDs come from passes of that type. Also, field position. Arizona is not as good offensively until they cross the 50. At the very least, our offense has to give our defense good field position.

Palmer struggles most over the middle of the field. Luckily, we have Luke, TD, and Coleman patrolling that area. So, we could realistically pick him off a couple of times at least, which would be huge. Coincidentally, Palmer's best numbers come down the right sideline or the right side of the formation in general. Guess who is over there? Troublesome, however, if Harper has an off game in coverage. If McClain and Finnegan can hold up their end, I'm confident we can prevent the big play.

We have to stick to what is working, regardless of score this week. No sitting back in a shell after we get a big lead, if we do. Not this week. Not with this team.

[Chubbs McGee]

42

[aussiePanther]

2 hours ago, Chubbs McGee said:

42

But what is the question?

 

As for the game, we need to establish the run, get ahead and eat up the clock.

We need to stuff whatever run they have, jam the receivers at the LOS & get Palmer off the spot or on his back.

And just have Special Teams keep doing what they've been doing all year.

[PandaPancake]

Clearly we're better on paper. They should forfeit

[CarolinaSunday]

I haven't seen this discussed much so I admit I could be flat out wrong on the following stuff (I don't pay attention to the Cards as much as I do other Panthers nemesis teams).  Carson Palmer is 36. Didn't he just win his first playoff game last week? And only barely? I'm guessing he is feeling a bunch of pressure to get to the Super Bowl THIS YEAR because he might not have another chance.  How is he mentally? Does he play well with that kind of pressure? My guess is no, given that he just won his first playoff game and from what I've heard he did not play all that well in it.

Just kind of wondering how Palmer might stand up to the pressure this week (which will be even more than it was last week). He may make a bunch of mental mistakes.