5 takeaways from NFL Wild Card Weekend
By Ryan Ratty
Panthers Get the Job Done On Defense
It was by no means pretty, but the Carolina Panthers got it done on the defensive side of the ball. The game was a porous one by all means. Not only was the weather horrible, but both teams were sloppy to say the least in all three phases of the game. However, the Arizona Cardinals were sloppier and that proved to be the difference in this game.
Cam Newton played horribly in this game. Against one of the best defenses in the game, Newton completed just 18 passes out of 32 attempts for only 198 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. That interception led to seven points. Also, Newton fumbled a football. Against Ryan Lindley, the Panthers gave up just 78 yards of offense, which is the lowest total of all-time. However, next week they will need to play better as they face the Super Bowl-defending Seattle Seahawks.
Next: Joe Flacco Continues to Play Well in the Postseason