There are undoubtedly many keys to any game, but there is one on each side of the ball that I believe might be the difference makers in this game.
Offense: Palmer's nerves.
People keep speculating that the tape job is bothering his release. I disagree... Palmer has been sailing balls high all year when he gets in big games until he settles down. Clearly he comes in too amped up in some games and takes a while to get settled. The other part of this is he also tries to force things and this is where the bad decisions and picks come into play.
We saw how this type of thing can cost the game with Wilson. Wilson was trying to get away with his usual crap of wildly throwing off his back foot under pressure to avoid sacks. Instead of getting away with no intentional grounding calls or even sometimes miraculously completing a pass he got burned and put into a huge hole. Palmer is going to need to take what the defense gives and not let his nerves or will make a particular play happen get in the way of protecting the ball. If Palmer comes out loose and focused and I think we'll be in for a great game and win the TO battle.
Defense: Covering Olsen
I think our secondary can handle the WRs well enough they don't stand out as a primary threat to me. We usually do well against the run and if we can keep Newton from running on us a bunch we'll be even better. Olsen is a huge part of their pass game and TEs have often been an X-factor against the Cardinals. I think the Panther's best chance to get momentum carrying plays and move the chains at key moments will be with Olsen.
I think the reason the Cards seem more susceptible against TEs than they should is because our offense doesn't involve much passing to TEs (unfortunately). I would guess this means the defense doesn't practice against receiving TEs as much as other teams that do use them more. It would be crazy to think the Cards aren't aware the threat Olsen presents and aren't cramming for that, but at the same time I still think it could prove to be a pivotal factor if they don't do a good job holding him in check.
Close runner up on offense are the O-line for obvious reasons, but they did enough to where I don't put Palmer's play on them. As well as the run game, which also goes hand in hand with the the o-line. The on defense pass rush and defensive play calling are the close second and somewhat tied to the Olsen observation. If we aren't getting home with the blitz and pass rush then we need to stop blitzing if we are getting gashed. It seemed pretty clear it was not effective but out of denial we kept going back to that well for punishment. I suspect we may need to give Bethel some help as I expect them to try to pick on him.
What is your #1 offensive key (singular) and defensive key you think will play a factor in this game?
Btw, this is one game where Honey Badger could be a great help, just a shame he was able to finish out this season.
Offense: Palmer's nerves.
People keep speculating that the tape job is bothering his release. I disagree... Palmer has been sailing balls high all year when he gets in big games until he settles down. Clearly he comes in too amped up in some games and takes a while to get settled. The other part of this is he also tries to force things and this is where the bad decisions and picks come into play.
We saw how this type of thing can cost the game with Wilson. Wilson was trying to get away with his usual crap of wildly throwing off his back foot under pressure to avoid sacks. Instead of getting away with no intentional grounding calls or even sometimes miraculously completing a pass he got burned and put into a huge hole. Palmer is going to need to take what the defense gives and not let his nerves or will make a particular play happen get in the way of protecting the ball. If Palmer comes out loose and focused and I think we'll be in for a great game and win the TO battle.
Defense: Covering Olsen
I think our secondary can handle the WRs well enough they don't stand out as a primary threat to me. We usually do well against the run and if we can keep Newton from running on us a bunch we'll be even better. Olsen is a huge part of their pass game and TEs have often been an X-factor against the Cardinals. I think the Panther's best chance to get momentum carrying plays and move the chains at key moments will be with Olsen.
I think the reason the Cards seem more susceptible against TEs than they should is because our offense doesn't involve much passing to TEs (unfortunately). I would guess this means the defense doesn't practice against receiving TEs as much as other teams that do use them more. It would be crazy to think the Cards aren't aware the threat Olsen presents and aren't cramming for that, but at the same time I still think it could prove to be a pivotal factor if they don't do a good job holding him in check.
Close runner up on offense are the O-line for obvious reasons, but they did enough to where I don't put Palmer's play on them. As well as the run game, which also goes hand in hand with the the o-line. The on defense pass rush and defensive play calling are the close second and somewhat tied to the Olsen observation. If we aren't getting home with the blitz and pass rush then we need to stop blitzing if we are getting gashed. It seemed pretty clear it was not effective but out of denial we kept going back to that well for punishment. I suspect we may need to give Bethel some help as I expect them to try to pick on him.
What is your #1 offensive key (singular) and defensive key you think will play a factor in this game?
Btw, this is one game where Honey Badger could be a great help, just a shame he was able to finish out this season.
