FINALLY!!! It took 4 games of terrible to get here, but dammit we're here!
1st thing I have to say is congratulations to longtime, career Panther Thomas Davis with his 1st defensive touchdown in 140 career games. Hard to believe that was his 1st, but there's a 1st time for everything.
Okay, that said, I have to acknowledge that, even though the Panthers' defense let the Cardinals back into the game, they played lights out for almost the entire 1st half. 8 total sacks on Carson Palmer was the most he's ever taken in his 14 NFL seasons. Plus the Thomas Davis fumble return for a touchdown on the 1st possession (of the game AND for the Cardinals' offense) put the Panthers up 7-0 & they never looked back. It was never tied or within 2 possessions except for when the score was 7-0. That's a huge achievement for a defense that has struggled all season long.
I think the DB's are playing better, but they aren't quite there. However, with a young core of CB's there is always a learning curve & they are definitely improving weekly. Speaking of young CB's, it looks like Charlotte has a 2nd generation "L.J." to root for in Leonard Johnson! That guy provided energy, a sack & a HUGE swat that took away a potential 2-point conversion at the end of the game that would have given the Cardinals a chance to get back within one possession for a tie.
The offensive line went down one more starter (arguably the one we need most) when All-Pro center Ryan Kalil got injured. But, the "next man up" mentality worked it's magic. Gino Gradkowski stepped in & it seemed like business as usual with good protection for Cam (who wasn't sacked once) & exceptional run blocking as well.
BIG shout-out to the referees who, aside from one hit at Cam Newton's legs that went unpenalized, gave the Panthers all the right calls & even a few that they probably shouldn't have gotten. But with the way the season has gone with these refs, the Panthers were due.
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY:
All in all, the Carolina Panthers implemented an "old school" gameplan & worked it to perfection. Hard-nosed running, stifling defense & control at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball led the team to victory. Jonathan Stewart played lights out & pounded the rock with 25 carries for 95 yards & 2 touchdowns. Our defense had 2 forced turnovers including the late Kony Ealy interception that sealed the game. When a defensive end is intercepting passes, it's a good defensive day!
THE CLOSER:
I hate to be negative in any way because, after all, the Panthers finally won. Today is a day for celebration as the Carolina Panthers snapped a 4 game losing streak & put one more in the win column. At this point, take them however they come.
However, I still haven't seen this team play consistently, AS A TEAM, 4 quarters of good, solid football. If they can't go 60 minutes they will not be winning too many more games this season I can guarantee that.
But, I think with the defensive improvements that are already showing & a taste of victory in their mouths, the Panthers might just have a chance at a winning record &, God-willing, a spot in the playoffs.
But, hey, that's just my 2cents....
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