Panthers @ Cardinals: Madden ’12 Preview
With EA Sports’ Madden ’12 now on the market, I decided to experiment a bit.
Last night as I was playing I decided to simulate the upcoming Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals match-up on the game. I did the simulation two times, and was ultimately expecting Carolina to get run over. In both simulations, though, Carolina put up a tremendous effort. There were stats that I didn’t think were possible from this team. Check back after the break as I reveal the results of the simulations
Simulation 1: Arizona 37 – Carolina 34 OT
This is the game where I saw unexpected stats. As I watch what looked like ESPN Game-Tracker race up and down the field I was surprised as the Panthers kept up with the Cardinals the entire game.
To begin, Cam Newton completed 15 of 30 passes for a 50% completion rating and threw for a total of 235 yards. In addition to that he had one touchdown pass to Steve Smith.
Smith had 4 receptions for 124 yards, and that TD.
Here was the kicker: DeAngelo Williams rushed 39 times for 207 yards and 2 Touchdowns. Cam Newton added to that with 8 rushes for 31 yards and a rushing TD.
To round out the stats:
B. LaFell: 3 rec 30 yards
G. Olsen 2 rec 24 yards
J. Stewart: 2 rush for 4 yards.
Overall the defense did well, but Kolb through for around 360 yards and tacked on a few TD’s. Though the Cardinals didn’t amass over 50 total yards rushing.
Simulation 2: Carolina 38 – Arizona 31
This was the game where the stats were more or less realistic.
Cam Newton was 7-22 for 47 yards with a TD and an INT.
M.Goodson had 2 rec for 14 yards, G. Olsen had 2 rec for 13 yards, T. Fiammetta(newest roster update still has him on the team) had 1 rec for 7 yards and a TD.
J. Stewart had 11 runs for 44 yards, C. Newton had 11 runs for 26 yards, D-Will had 9 runs for 53 yards and a TD.
So now if you look at the stats you are wondering how the Panthers had 38 points with only 2 touchdowns listed. Well hold on to your hats.
On defense the Panthers didn’t stop Kolb from passing as he threw for 354 yards and 3 TD’s, but they did well and picked him off 3 times.
Beason recovered a fumble and returned it for an 18 yard touchdown.
Ok so we are still missing 14 points (Mare had a FG). Well, Mike Goodson tore it up on Kick Return. Goodson had 3 returns for 239 yards with an avg return of 79.6 yards. Goodson had one return for 102 yards and a TD and another return for 101 yards and a TD.
Both simulations present accurate possibilities for this team. The only way the Panthers can come on top is if: A) Newton lights it up as a passer or B) The Panthers’ D steps up and intercepts Kolb multiple times.