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NFL Playoffs: One Key For Each Wildcard Team

By Evan Massey

Dec 21, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) celebrates with wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) celebrates with wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) prepares for a game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) prepares for a game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers – Defense Has To Step Up

Luke Kuechly and the Carolina Panthers’ defense was one of the most dominant in the NFL last season, but they were extremely inconsistent this year. They finally showed signs of life against the Atlanta Falcons in a Week 17 division clinching win, and they need to carry that over into the playoffs against the Arizona Cardinals.

Carolina finished with the 11th best defense against the pass and the 16th ranked defense against the run this season.

Those rankings aren’t too terrible, but they certainly aren’t going to be enough to win in the playoffs. They will need to pick their defense in a big way this week in order to come away with a victory over the Cardinals.

It is going to be interesting to see whether or not they can get back to playing the type of championship defense that they had last year. If they can, they are going to be a very tough team to beat for anyone out there.

Next: Baltimore Ravens - Defend Against The Pass

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