{"id":5018,"date":"2016-10-28T12:18:13","date_gmt":"2016-10-28T16:18:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/?p=5018"},"modified":"2016-10-28T12:27:40","modified_gmt":"2016-10-28T16:27:40","slug":"arizona-cardinals-week-8-keys-victory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2016\/10\/28\/arizona-cardinals-week-8-keys-victory\/","title":{"rendered":"Arizona Cardinals Week Eight Keys To Victory"},"content":{"rendered":"

After the \u201cdebacle game\u201d last Sunday night at home\u00a0against the Seattle Seahawks<\/strong>, which ended in a 6-6 overtime tie, the Arizona Cardinals<\/strong> travel to the east coast this weekend to face the Carolina Panthers<\/strong>. The Panthers sit at 1-5 and are very desperate for a win. For the 3-3-1 Cardinals, remembering what happened just months ago when they were manhandled by the Panthers for the NFC Conference Championship<\/strong> title and a visit to Super Bowl L<\/strong>, this matchup is looked at as more than just a win. It\u2019s about redemption.<\/p>\n

Arizona Cardinals Week\u00a0Eight Keys To Victory<\/h2>\n

\u201cThis game is so important to the season,\u201d said quarterback Carson Palmer<\/strong><\/a>. \u201cThat\u2019s my focus.\u201d<\/p>\n

Setting The Table<\/h3>\n

The Cardinals had at least a few days in between games to recover and prepare themselves for Sunday. The Panthers have lost five games already this season, but their poor record does not reflect the proficiency of their team. Even with the better record, this won\u2019t be an easy task for the Cardinals.<\/p>\n

The Panthers are coming off their bye week. Running back Jonathan Stewart<\/strong> <\/a>returned to the team\u00a0last week after missing three games with a hamstring injury. Quarterback Cam Newton<\/strong><\/a> (concussion) made his injury return two weekends ago when the team was beat 41-38 by the New Orleans Saints<\/strong>. After enjoying a week off with extended rest, Newton, Stewart and the rest of the Panthers\u00a0squad should be rejuvenated and well prepared to face the visiting Cardinals.<\/p>\n

Impacted by injuries, especially to the receiving core, the Cardinals will be without some very vital players for this upcoming match-up. No word yet whether wide receivers John Brown<\/strong><\/a> (sickle cell) or Michael Floyd<\/strong> <\/a>(hamstring) will play. Brown did show some promise with limited practice throughout the week. Cornerbacks Marcus Cooper<\/strong> <\/a>(foot) and Justin Bethel<\/strong> <\/a>(foot) were also limited at practice. Wide receiver Jaron Brown<\/strong> <\/a>has been placed on IR and will be missed the remainder of the season. To assist in filling open spots, the Cardinals have re-signed wide receiver Chris Hubert<\/strong> <\/a>to the practice squad.<\/p>\n

Not only are the Cardinals on the road, but this will also be an early game on the Sunday NFL<\/strong> lineup. Whether or not this makes a difference to the team\u2019s performance has yet to be determined, but west coast teams can struggle with one o’clock kickoffs on the east coast. Game time is 10am MST on FOX.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re in no position to look at someone else\u2019s record and say \u2018What\u2019s wrong with them?\u2019\u201d said wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald<\/strong><\/a>. \u201cThere are a lot of holes in our boat that we need to make sure we are plugging.\u201d<\/p>\n

KEYS TO THE GAME<\/h2>\n

The Running Game<\/h3>\n

Without question, running back David Johnson<\/strong> <\/a>is the offense for the Cardinals. Already, after seven games, Johnson has accumulated 681 yards on the ground, 323 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. Johnson\u2019s multi-assortment of skills will be the difference-maker against the Panthers. The Cardinals must get Johnson involved early and often.<\/p>\n

The Passing Game<\/h3>\n

Wide receiver J.J. Nelson<\/strong> <\/a>is being called out in this matchup. Now in his second year with the Cardinals, and with such a depleted roster, it is his time to step up and shine. Palmer will need all the help he can get against the Panthers very valid defense. The young receivers on this team need to run their proper routes, find ways to shake off the defensive pressure, and get themselves open.<\/p>\n

The Defense<\/h3>\n

The Cardinals have one of the top defenses in the league. The team has not allowed a touchdown to an opponent in the last 11 quarters (nearly three straight games). Holding Stewart to under a hundred yards is vital to gaining this much needed victory. Also, Newton is another one of those quarterbacks who likes to run. The defense needs to keep this in mind when they start swarming like rabid dogs into the meaty pocket.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n