What were the major factors that decided the Carolina Panthers’ game at the red-hot Arizona Cardinals in Week 10 of the 2021 season?
Well, what a turnup for the books this was.
The rejuvenated Carolina Panthers made light work of the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10 during what was undeniably one of their best performances of the 2021 season against a team that held the NFL’s best record heading into the contest.
Granted, the Cardinals didn’t have the services of Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins. But considering the way Carolina performed, it might not have made much of a difference.
This was a huge step in the right direction for the Panthers after one of the more memorable weeks in franchise history. To make matters even more encouraging, every other NFC South team fell to losses leaving the divisional race wide open once again.
The tide might be turning. And there is no doubt one man above all was responsible.
With this in mind, here are five major factors behind the Panthers’ incredible victory in Week 10.
Major Factor No. 1
Carolina Panthers got yet more flawless kicking from Zane Gonzalez
Another week, another outstanding performance from Zane Gonzalez.
The kicker is currently riding on the crest of a wave and put his former team to the sword with some clutch kicks that kept the scoreboard ticking over in Carolina’s favor. Gonzalez was perfect yet again with four field goals from as many attempts, firing over two extra points for good measure.
There appears little doubt that Gonzalez gets a new deal with the Panthers if he keeps up this level of production. Although when it comes to kickers, those in power can be more ruthless than other positional groups.
Gonzalez can look back at his own personal contribution in Week 10 with a huge sense of pride. Getting one over on his old employers was the icing on the cake.
Cam Newton inspired the Carolina Panthers
It was nothing more than a cameo appearance to the naked eye. But the return of Cam Newton represented so much more to everyone associated with the Carolina Panthers.
Their enigmatic, charismatic leader was back. An inspiration that teammates and coaches alike fed off from start to finish.
Things couldn’t have gone much better for Newton right out of the gate. His first play from scrimmage was a rushing touchdown and the second eventually became a throwing score to Robby Anderson.
An absolute dream.
The whole situation regarding Newton’s return to Carolina was unexpected. Surreal almost.
But it’s evident that he’s galvanized the entire organization as only he can.
On the field, Newton’s production was encouraging. Away from the gridiron, he had teammates hanging off his every word.
Next Sunday should see the Panthers start Newton against the Washington Football Team and former head coach Ron Rivera despite P.J. Walker’s display in Week 10. And make no mistake, Bank of America Stadium is going to experience an atmosphere it’s not seen for quite some time.
Few players can move the needle like this. Newton is one of them.
Carolina Panthers made turnovers count
One of the more frustrating elements to the Carolina Panthers’ performances over recent weeks has been the inability to make turnovers count. The defense remains one of the NFL’s best – but the offense simply wasn’t doing enough with Sam Darnold under center to take advantage of countless opportunities.
That all changed at the Arizona Cardinals.
Phil Snow’s unit was once again outstanding, which is in keeping with the way they’ve risen in 2021 so far. But this time, the Panthers managed to turn takeaways into points.
The difference this made cannot be underestimated. And if it continues over the next seven games, Carolina might be in with a shot of securing a playoff spot.
In all honesty, the offense doesn’t even have to be that great. Such is the standard of things on the defensive side.
Capitalizing on chances is all the Panthers need.
This was a massive statement and one in keeping with the move to bring back Cam Newton. The Panthers are confident they can win now and make some noise in the postseason, which is a far cry from the previous six games where they emerged victoriously just once.
Carolina Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey set the tone
If the Carolina Panthers blended Christian McCaffrey back into the lineup slowly against the New England Patriots, then it was more of a usual workload for the running back in Week 10.
The All-Pro was at the heart of everything good on offense throughout a dominant first-half performance. Although there were some slight hamstring concerns as the game went on, there didn’t appear to be much worry coming from McCaffrey, who seemingly refused to take his helmet off and wanted back in the game despite the score.
This is a testament to his mentality. Even if the Panthers do need to save McCaffrey from himself at times.
Carolina needs McCaffrey playing at this sort of level done the stretch. They simply cannot afford the former first-round pick to miss any more time.
Seeing the Stanford product lining up in the backfield with Cam Newton was unbelievable. And an obvious nightmare for the Cardinals’ defense.
It’s only going to become more of a complication when Newton starts. This is a dynamic tandem that offers so much and considering the esteem in which each is held across the league, the future could be incredibly bright if everything clicks into place.
Carolina Panthers OL was tremendous
Now that Cam Newton is back in the fold, perhaps the one remaining weakness is the offensive line. This is a group that’s come in for a fair amount of criticism this season and hopes weren’t exactly high for this group in Week 10 with Matt Paradis and Cam Erving missing.
However, they managed to raise their game accordingly with a fantastic display.
The protection did not give up a sack throughout the contest. Although there were some moments when the Arizona Cardinals defensive front overwhelmed them.
These ended up being fleeting, thankfully.
Taylor Moton was outstanding at the right tackle spot. The change in production from Pat Elflein after he was moved to the center position in place of Paradis was extraordinary.
Elflein came into the league as a center and played well for the Minnesota Vikings in this spot before they shifted him to guard after drafting Garrett Bradbury. The former Ohio State star now has an opportunity to make the position his own long-term.
Michael Jordan and Trent Scott continued their encouraging recent displays alongside Elflein on the interior. They held their own in pass protection and created some huge running lanes for Christian McCaffrey and others to utilize.
Aside from some ill-discipline from Dennis Daley at left tackle, this was as good as it’s been all season. Long may it continue.