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Cardinals (10-7) Vs. Panthers (12-4)

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By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON

arichardson@tampatrib.com

Published: January 10, 2009

CARDINALS (10-7) VS. PANTHERS (12-4)

Today, 8:15 p.m.; WTVT, Channel 13

KEY MATCHUP

Carolina WR Steve Smith vs.

Arizona CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

You better believe Arizona will stack its defensive line in an effort to stop Carolina's potent running back duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Williams finished with 1,515 rushing yards and Stewart added 836, so stopping Carolina's running game is going to be important if Arizona has any hope of not being embarrassed on the road. Arizona limited Atlanta RB Michael Turner to 42 rushing yards last week, so the Cardinals can stop the run.

However, that leaves Rodgers-Cromartie, a rookie from Tennessee State, all alone against Smith, one of the NFL's best receivers.

To the casual observer, Smith has a sizable advantage against Rodgers-Cromartie. Smith had 78 receptions this season for 1,421 yards and six touchdowns, including 117 yards and two touchdowns against Arizona during a 27-23 home victory in Week 8.

However, Rodgers-Cromartie has improved every week and finished the regular season with four interceptions. He had one interception in Arizona's playoff victory against Atlanta, plus was used twice on offense. If Rodgers-Cromartie can cover Smith, the Cardinals have a chance to pull off an upset.

KEY STAT

Arizona RB Edgerrin James had 73 yards on 16 carries last week against Atlanta. James lost his starting position to Tim Hightower during the regular season, and even asked to be released, but the Cardinals once again believe in him. It will be cold in Carolina and Arizona will be forced to run the ball. James and Hightower could provide enough potency to make the game interesting.

INJURY REPORT

CARDINALS: WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring), DE Travis LaBoy (ankle) and TE Ben Patrick (knee) are questionable.

PANTHERS: C Geoff Hangartner (ankle) is questionable.

PANTHERS WILL WIN IF

The Panthers' defense simply needs to shut down everyone not named Larry Fitzgerald. Even when Anquan Boldin was hurt earlier this season, Fitzgerald excelled and WR Steve Breaston stepped up. The Panthers can live with Fitzgerald having a decent game in a losing effort, but cannot afford to let anyone else on Arizona's offense stand out.

CARDINALS WILL WIN IF

The Cardinals must somehow slow down the Panthers' running game, which is much easier said than done. Forcing Carolina to play from behind in the second half will help. But if either Carolina running back has a big day, Arizona will have a long flight home.

X-FACTOR

Arizona is 3-5 on the road this season and its three wins were against teams with losing records.

QUOTE OF NOTE

DID YOU KNOW?

Kurt Warner is one of six playoff quarterbacks who have previously started in a Super Bowl. The others are the Titans' Kerry Collins, Giants' Eli Manning, Eagles' Donovan McNabb, Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger and Panthers' Jake Delhomme.

CARDINALS (10-7) VS. PANTHERS (12-4)

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