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NFL Playoffs: X-Factors, red flags for each team

By Jeffery Reynolds

Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; A general view during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; A general view during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 26, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) runs the ball while Carolina Panthers defensive back Colin Jones (42) pursues during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Panthers 13-9. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) runs the ball while Carolina Panthers defensive back Colin Jones (42) pursues during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Panthers 13-9. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers X Factor: DeAngelo Williams

The Carolina Panthers backed into the playoffs with a 7-8-1 record, but they’ve gotten hot at the right time, winning their final four games of the regular season and setting a playoff record for fewest yards allowed last weekend – the Cards gained a grand total of 78 net yards from scrimmage behind their third string quarterback. Carolina faces a much stiffer test, though, as they travel to the insanity of Century Link Field in Seattle this weekend.

If the Panthers have any chance of pulling off the upset against the defending champs in their own back yard, they’re going to have to play ball control offense and get off the field on defense. The Panthers rushed for 188 yards against a gutty Arizona defense at home last week and controlled the ball for 37 minutes. Jonathan Stewart was the bell cow, rushing for 123 yards on 24 carries.

There were supporting cast members as well, which has been a calling card for the Panthers over the years. Fozzy Whittaker also chipped in with a timely 39 yard touchdown catch out of the backfield. Cam Newton was his normal dangerous self with 35 yards on the ground.

Keep an eye on DeAngelo Williams to see if he can produce more than the 16 yards he had against Arizona. Last week was only the fifth time he’s seen game action this season. If the Panthers can get him going, they stand a better chance to play keep away from Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch.

Carolina Panthers Red Flag: Cam Newton

While the Panthers dominated an undermanned Cardinals team last week, there were troubling signs from the quarterback position. Cam Newton looked off on most of his throws, missing wide open receivers down the field. Whether he’s feeling residual effects from his car accident, or he’s simply unable to put the necessary touch on his throws, Newton was inaccurate down the field.

Against the Cardinals, those mistakes caused the offense to sputter. Against the imposing Seahawks defense, in Seattle, those mistakes will be turned into immediate points for the opponent.

Newton has fallen into the habit of trusting his arm strength too much, causing him to throw off his back foot or make crazy attempts late while scrambling. He is also struggling with his progressions and reads, although that may be more a result of having subpar receivers who can’t consistently get open.

Cam should look in the direction of Greg Olsen more often. Olsen was the leading receiver for the Panthers this season, but he only had three catches last week. If Newton wants to avoid being the weak link on the Panthers team, he needs to rely on his security blanket at the tight end position.

Next: Can the Seahawks play above the level of their competition?

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