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

Jan 3, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) reacts after an interception during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers in the 2014 NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) celebrates with teammate Larry Fitzgerald (11) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cardinals excel at creating mismatches

The key here for the Cardinals is mismatches. Expect the Panthers to play Josh Norman on Michael Floyd. And expect the Cardinals to avoid throwing in Floyd’s direction; the Panthers’ defensive back is the best in the NFL this season, and should be able to blanket Floyd in man coverage one-on-one.

However, what this does is create opportunities for John Brown on the outside and Larry Fitzgerald in the slot. The Cardinals will often times use motion to get Fitzgerald the ideal matchup, where he can (a) use his frame on an undersized DB or (b) use his speed and route-running ability on an overmatched linebacker.

With the Panthers sporting the best linebacker pairing in the NFL with Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis, this may serve an entirely different purpose altogether. Fitzgerald’s motion and positioning in the slot could draw Kuechly or Davis away from inside the tackles, or could even betray a plan to blitz. Either way, the Cardinals plan to take many opportunities with Fitzgerald to create mismatches based on the Carolina alignment.

The Panthers run zone coverages more often than not, and this may create opportunities for Fitzgerald to make plays in the soft spots of the zone.

The Cardinals also create mismatches for their receivers by running intertwining routes within the 10-20 yard range. This type of route scheme directly targets the safeties – in this case Roman Harper and Kurt Coleman – and can encourage mistakes from the opposing secondary with adjustments. In a zone scheme, this means that the Panthers defenders will be constantly exposed to changing assignments. If Carson Palmer has the time to read the defense, he will capitalize on whatever mistakes the Panthers make.

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