Newton, Panthers hold significant edges over Cardinals

Since midseason, most sage NFL observers have pretty much agreed that Arizona and Carolina have been the top two teams in the NFC. But coming down to today's conference championship game, it seems the Panthers have some significant advantages.

In terms of basic overall statistics, the teams appear similar. Carolina led the league in scoring at 31.2 points, and Arizona was second at 30.6. The Panthers were sixth in points allowed (19.2), and the Cardinals were seventh (19.6).

But there are other stats that have historically worn well in the playoffs. And those edges go predominantly to Carolina.

The Panthers were No. 2 in rushing. And they led the league in takeaways and turnover margin. After their 31-24 victory over Seattle last week, the takeaway total is 41, and the turnover margin is up to plus-22.

At quarterback, big, strong and fast Cam Newton has arrived as a top-flight star, knowledgeable passer and recognized team leader. Newton had 35 regular-season touchdown passes, 10 interceptions and 10 rushing touchdowns.

Carson Palmer (35 touchdowns, 11 interceptions) was already a savvy passer and respected leader. But he is now 36, has little escapability after two knee surgeries and was bothered at times last week against Green Bay by a late-season finger injury.

While the Cardinals have been struggling to sustain a consistent running complement to Palmer, Carolina last week warmly welcomed the return to action of top running back Jonathan Stewart, who gets relief from burly Mike Tolbert.

Arizona coach Bruce Arians has often displayed a Midas touch with his play-calling chart, setting free the likes of future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald, the lanky Michael Floyd and the speedy John Brown. Last week's key plays in overtime against the Packers displayed Arians' creativity again.

But Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula has developed a series of deceptive running plays to confuse defenses and exploit the abilities of Newton while also cobbling together a respectable receiving corps out of tight end Greg Olsen and wideouts Ted Ginn Jr., journeyman Jerricho Cotchery and youngsters Corey Brown and Devin Funchess.

Comparing defenses, it is interesting to note that Carolina led Arizona in sacks 44 to 36. The Cardinals have had to cope with some late-season attrition — losing linebackers LaMarr Woodley and Alex Okafor, safety Tyrann Mathieu and lineman Cory Redding. The Panthers have adjusted nicely to the loss of cornerback Charles Tillman and Bene Benwikere.

Arizona, with its myriad receivers, probably will try to attack the thin Panthers secondary. But the Cardinals should not overlook the coverage skills of linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis, and they still will need to keep the stationary Palmer upright.

In their past two games, the Cardinals had problems coping with power runs, and expect them to get all they can handle in this one. Plus, there are always the potentially back-breaking improvisations of the yard-gobbling Newton.

Pick: Panthers -3

— Las Vegas handicapper Bruce Marshall is editor of The Gold Sheet (goldsheet.com).