The Arizona Cardinals consider themselves to be in a must-win situation across the final few weeks of the season.
And that will be so true on Sunday when they visit the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C.
“From here on out, we got to win them all and that’s our mindset going into everything,” Cardinals offensive tackle Jonah Williams said. “But there’s definitely a heightened sense of urgency.”
The Cardinals (7-7) are flirting with NFC playoff position after halting a three-game losing streak with a 30-17 victory over the visiting New England Patriots last weekend.
The Panthers (3-11), who have lost four games in a row, hold the third-worst record in the NFL. Sunday will mark the team’s home finale.
“Here we go, we’ve got another challenge,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said. “They’re going to keep coming.”
Carolina lost tight games to divisional leaders Kansas City, Tampa Bay and Philadelphia before dropping a 30-14 decision to the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday.
In Arizona coach Jonathan Gannon’s view, that turnover-ravaged result can be dismissed when assessing the Panthers.
“I think if you look, their last six games they’ve played really good ball,” Gannon said. “I think they’ve turned the corner. We’re going to have to play our brand of ball if we want to win.”
Carolina quarterback Bryce Young committed four turnovers against Dallas, but he had a strong stretch of outings leading into that game. Gannon said he sees creativity from the Panthers when it comes to using Young, a second-year quarterback.
“I think he has really taken a step forward with the play-making capabilities,” Gannon said. “Obviously, he’s mobile and that’s real.”
Yet Young’s gaffes last week have pushed his season totals to nine interceptions and eight touchdown throws. He has run for three touchdowns.
“I’m really hoping for Bryce to just take that next step, to execute the game plan,” Canales said. “To be special when called upon.”
The Cardinals made off-field moves that might bode well in the big picture, including in the final weeks of this season.
Safety Budda Baker, running back James Conner and center Hjalte Froholdt were given contract extensions. With those decisions, there’s a heightened level of buy-in for those players and the team. Baker has been a captain for five seasons.
“I think they help keep everybody in alignment and they’re premier players,” Gannon said. “And they’re good people, and that’s who we want to build the team around.”
Conner has rushed for a team-high 973 yards this year. He’s coming off a 110-yard outing at New England for his second-highest total of the season and his fifth time reaching 100 yards this year.
Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark earlier this month, but he was held to the second-lowest total of the season with 32 yards on the ground last week. Carolina running back Raheem Blackshear (chest) was a full practice participant Wednesday.
But Panthers linebackers Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus are out for the season after going on injured reserve.
“It could be a great opportunity for (other) guys to get in there and see what they can do,” Canales said.
The Cardinals have adjusted their roster, notably on special teams. Kicker Matt Prater is eligible to return for the first time since Week 4 following knee surgery. Punter Michael Palardy was added to the roster.
–Field Level Media
