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

The Cardinals have one of the league’s top pass rushes

Outside of the offense’s big-play ability, the best thing that gets the Cardinals rolling is the team’s wicked pass rush.

The goal for the Cardinals’ pass rush will be the opposite of the Panthers’ goal. Carolina will want to flush Carson Palmer out of the pocket, push him from his spot behind the center of the line, and disrupt his rhythm with his receivers. The Cardinals want to keep Newton within the pocket, limiting the plays he can create with his mobility outside of the tackles.

So, how exactly do the Cardinals go about accomplishing their goal? In their 3-4 alignment, the Cardinals have found success spreading their edge rushers out wide to the outside of the tackles and forcing the tackles’ outside shoulders away from the line of scrimmage. This works well to keep the quarterback into the pocket, but can open up holes if the quarterback stepped up through the vacated spot between the tackles and guards.

In truth, the 3-4 alignment is really a 3-3, with safety Deone Bucannon playing as the fourth “linebacker”. Turning the offensive tackles away from the line of scrimmage opens up holes for him to rush the passer up the middle. The Cards also will bring a second safety, often times Tony Jefferson, to add to this interior pressure.

Sometimes, it’s not going to be about pass rush calls, but simply the skill and talent of the pass rushers. The addition of veteran Dwight Freeney and his trademark inside spin move has been a boon for the Cardinals, who have benefited from his speed and skill off of the edge. Calais Campbell is probably the NFL’s best pass rushing 3-4 defensive end, who can eat up blockers and still create penetration that will contain Newton within the pocket.

Next: Mismatches