FanHouse Preview: Cardinals at Panthers

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You may recall that the Panthers have played the Cardinals once already this year. They won. Naturally, the Cardinals did not. But expecting history to repeat itself seems a touch premature (even if it happens all the time anyway) even though it appears that's what people think -- almost everyone is on the Catwagon. Normally, that would be disturbing for Panthers fans; it seems like whenever a bandwagon gets too full it always manages to topple over.

Especially when you factor in the high-flying Cardinal passing attack that features former MVP Kurt Warner and the still secretly underrated Larry Fitzgerald. Anquan Boldin is a game-time decision but he might not end up being the biggest factor.

"Why's that?" Well, take a quick gander at the weather in Charlotte for tomorrow. An early afternoon schedule for this puppy, and suddenly Arizona's chances look a lot better; but it's at night and it's going to be [likely] raining. The Cards are already traveling East (something they have stunk at all year long) and if you take a look at the eggshell they dropped against the Patriots in the snow a few weeks back, you can see cause for concern that they're not getting ideal conditions for one of the biggest games in franchise history

Three Key Questions

1. Can the Cardinals travel East and actually win a game?

2. What will the weather be like on Saturday night?

3. Will Boldin get to play any, if at all?

Player in the Spotlight
DeAngelo Williams -- who has been nominated for the FedEx Player of the Year -- seems like the logical choice here, but secretly, it could be Steve Breaston. If Boldin's not playing, Breaston suddenly becomes a major factor in the Cards offensive attack. Or, alternately, I could say Edgerrin James. He "came alive" (people freaked on his deceent performance last week) at just the right time, helping propel the Cardinals into the divisional round.

Arizona's Path to Victory
Establish the run. The weather looks like it's not really going to favor the Cards, so it's imperative that the offensive line get some sort of push against a tough Panthers d-line. If Edge and Tim Hightower can pick up four to five yards early on first and second downs, then the passing game will open up a lot for Warner. Additionally, a ground attack will keep the rock out of Mr. Slippyfist's Warner's hands. That's always good news during rainy weather.

Carolina's Path to Victory
Put pressure on Warner. Obviously, the Panthers have to run. And stop the run. (I was going to use those as keys to the game, and actually wrote a whole paragraph, but it just seemed to cliche. So I deleted it. And made the bigger mistake of telling you about it. Anyway, carry on.) But in a game that should see some rain, a strong push on the defensive line does two crucial things: 1) it lets Jon Beason get first licks on Edge and Hightower and 2) it gets heat on Warner. The latter will result in mistakes and consequently, turnovers.

Prediction: Carolina 21, Arizona 17