The Carolina Panthers are the Arizona Cardinals’ next opponent and come to town this weekend seeking their first win of the year. Quarterback Cam Newton is not expected to play, giving Kyle Allen the start at quarterback.
But who are the Panthers players Cardinals fans should worry about in this matchup?
RB Christian McCaffrey
McCaffrey is the workhorse of the Panthers offense. He had over 200 yards from scrimmage in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers limited him to only 53 total yards last week. While the Cardinals have done a good job of limiting running backs from doing much damage, he will be a tough matchup in the passing game.
TE Greg Olsen
The Cardinals have given up over 100 receiving yards to a tight end in each of their first two games. A tight end has scored a touchdown in both games against the Cardinals defense. Now, Olsen, one of the best to play the position, comes to town. He is coming off a six-catch, 100-yard performance, where he was the only real offense in the Panthers’ loss in Week 2 on Thursday. He will most certainly be a big part of the Panthers’ offensive game plan.
Gerald McCoy
Kawann Short appears unlikely to play this weekend so McCoy will be the potentially disruptive force from the defensive interior.
LB Luke Kuechly
Kuechly is still the gold standard at linebacker. He is physical, savvy and smart. He is a player who could potentially fool Kyler Murray into making a bad throw that results in a turnover.
CB James Bradbury
Bradberry is the Panthers’ best cornerback. He has both a sack and an interception through two games this season. He will have his hands full with Larry Fitzgerald or one of the other Cardinals receivers but he is one of the good ones in the league.
