4 crucial matchups to watch during Panthers at Cardinals in Week 10

Carolina Panthers pass-centered defense vs. Cardinals Air Raid

We’ve all heard the term “Air Raid” offense before, but the Arizona Cardinals run it to a T.

At its core, the Air Raid is basically the belief that a team’s quarterback and receivers are better than any defense and they’ll prove it by forcing the pass down your throat at every opportunity.

Four receivers are a given on almost every play in a variety of formations. You can also bet at least one of them is ready to streak down the sideline for a contested catch.

A side effect of this is that the run becomes a bit of an afterthought. This is a good thing considering how the Carolina Panthers have forgotten what exactly a run defense is.

If anyone knows that information I’m sure they would be happy if you shared it.

All joking aside, this Panthers defense is geared to stop the pass, always has been. So on paper, this should be a great matchup for them, right?

Kind of.

While there is certainly a lot of talent at the top two corner spots for the Panthers, it can be a bit inconsistent behind them. Inconsistency against a scheme built to exploit lack of depth is a real issue.

With just the amount of receiving threats on the field to consider, the team will have to send out one of Rashaan Melvin, Keith Taylor, or C.J. Henderson. That is the kind of opportunity the Cardinals will be looking to exploit early and often.

The safeties will also have to lean that way just in case which will put yet another wrinkle in things from a coverage perspective as they will be more worried about that matchup and possibly miss something on the other side of the field.

That being said, this is a true matchup of strength against strength and you better believe both sides are chomping at the bit to prove they are the better group.