Towards the end of the regular season, many believed that the winner of the weakened NFC South would be a one-and-done team heading into the playoffs. Cam Newton and the Panthers, who finished the season with just seven wins, not only snuck into the playoffs, but also beat the Arizona Cardinals to advance to the divisional round.
This evening, Carolina will head to Seattle to take on the Seahawks, who are looking to secure a second consecutive Super Bowl title. This match-up will feature two of the best defenses in the league. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson will have to overcome the all-pro play of linebacker Luke Kuechly, while Newton will have to find a way to keep the ball away from the dangerous Legion of Boom.
While cornerback Richard Sherman and the Seahawks secondary has intimidated some quarterbacks, Newton told reporters this week that he will throw Sherman’s way if the play calls for it.
On the other side of the ball, Wilson will have to look through the air to make plays as Kuechly and the Panthers front will like get pressure on the Seahawks’ speedy quarterback.
In terms of the two offenses in tonight’s contest, the clear advantage goes to Seattle. While Wilson has not had a magical season through the air, his ability to make plays with his feet proves dangerous for any team. Running back Marshawn Lynch has been seemingly unstoppable this year and will look to be featured heavily tonight.
Newton has similar play-making abilities as Wilson, but has less weapons to work with. Aside from wide-receiver Kelvin Benjamin and tight end Greg Olsen, the Panthers do not feature a ton of big-play receivers. Fortunately however, the Panthers have the running back core of Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams that are capable to compliment Newton’s dual-threat ability.
Despite their regular season records, this game could be closer than many people may project. Kickoff will be at 8:15 p.m. on FOX.
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