NFC Championship Game 2016: 5 reasons the Cardinals could beat the Panthers

Jared Allen won’t play, so the Panthers do not have a dominant edge rusher

The key to the Panthers’ first-half dominance over the Seahawks was in the pressure generated by the front seven. The Seahawks offensive line was totally overwhelmed by the Panthers, particularly in the middle, where Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei repeatedly stuffed Marshawn Lynch and forced Russell Wilson out of the pocket. A sloppy mess of turnovers later and the Panthers were leading 31-0 after 30 minutes of playing time.

The Panthers’ success on defense will be predicated on re-creating this type of pressure. Failing to do so means committing passive suicide by Carson Palmer. Unfortunately, one of Carolina’s best weapons for this purpose might not be available.

Allen had actually practiced on that fractured foot this week, meaning (a) I am a wuss and so are you (probably), and (b) he could have very well suit up for the Panthers come Sunday. But even if he did, his effectiveness as an edge rusher would have plummeted. A foot fracture would have affected his burst and his ability to plant, limiting his advantage both in speed and leverage.

On the other side, the Panthers have the quality defensive end Charles Johnson. Behind him, Carolina has the solid Kony Ealy and Mario Addison at defensive end, but their pressure alone won’t be enough to throw Carson Palmer off of his rhythm with his receivers.

It’s doubtful the Cardinals are celebrating this injury, but this works quite well in their favor. The lone weakness for Palmer is his total lack of mobility, and although they have the personnel to get away with shorter possession routes, the team is at their best when they challenge their opponents downfield. The absence of Allen damages their ability to keep the Cardinals within 20 yards of the line of scrimmage.

Next: Stout v. the Run