Panthers vs. Seahawks: Analyzing Top X-Factors in NFC Divisional Playoff Clash

When the Seattle Seahawks host the Carolina Panthers in Saturday night's NFC divisional playoff game, there will be plenty of focus on the stars. That certainly makes sense, but there are also several unheralded players who could make a huge impact.

For every Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman, Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly, there are several other players who don't receive nearly as much recognition. Playoff time can create some unexpected stars, however, and both the Seahawks and the Panthers are hopeful that their role players will step up.

With Seattle looking to protect home field and Carolina trying to pull off the upset, here is a look at some of the biggest X-factors that figure to impact Saturday's contest.

Paul Richardson

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It took rookie wide receiver Paul Richardson quite some time to get acclimated to the NFL and become a viable part of the Seattle offense, but the second-round pick out of Colorado is truly coming into his own at the perfect time.

The 6'0", 183-pound speedster made just 14 catches through the Seahawks' first 12 games; however, he hauled in 15 receptions over the season's final month. That includes a pair of five-catch, seven-target performances in Seattle's last two regular-season contests.

Richardson is emerging as perhaps quarterback Russell Wilson's No. 2 target behind wide receiver Doug Baldwin, with Jermaine Kearse also figuring into the mix.

As pointed out by ESPN.com's Terry Blount, Richardson has been a big part of the Seahawks' red-hot play in recent weeks:

It was always apparent that Richardson had the talent necessary to be a factor, but Baldwin believes he simply needed an opportunity to showcase his skills, according to Jayson Jenks of The Seattle Times:

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He's not much different, to be honest with you. Physically, he's the same cat. Mentally, he just realized what this offense was. ... It can be frustrating at times not really understanding why you don't have as many opportunities as you normally would get. He had to grow in that way and realize that this offense is what it is. 

But the mental toughness that he's shown, I'm more proud about that than anything else because he makes the best of his opportunities.

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On top of that, Richardson seems to be earning the trust of Wilson, as evidenced by this quote courtesy of Sports Radio KJR's Curtis Crabtree:

The Carolina defense has been playing very well as of late, but it can be beaten through the air. It allowed 25 passing touchdowns during the regular season, and it was never tested by Ryan Lindley and the Arizona Cardinals in the Wild Card Round.

Richardson is a big play waiting to happen, and it wouldn't be shocking to see him break a long one against the Panthers' shaky secondary.

Kony Ealy

Much like Richardson, defensive end Kony Ealy has been a late bloomer this season. The rookie got off to a slow start; however, he has become a key part of Carolina's defensive line.

The second-round pick out of Missouri entered the league with the reputation of being an elite pass-rusher. That came into question when he had just one sack through his first 12 games, but he flipped the switch late in the year.

According to ESPN.com's David Newton, Ealy closed the regular season by recording a sack in each of Carolina's final three games:

That ultimately gave him four on the season, which was good for third on the team. Ealy admittedly didn't fill up the stat sheet much more than that as a pass-rush specialist, but he has grown into his role quite effectively.

Also, Ealy gives the Panthers a great deal of versatility. They have been dealing with some injuries at defensive tackle, but head coach Ron Rivera is comfortable shifting Ealy inside if need be, per Newton:

In the Panthers' narrow 13-9 loss to Seattle earlier in the season, Ealy recorded his first career sack. He may be the only lineman Carolina has who is capable of staying with a mobile quarterback like Wilson due to his own athleticism.

He will be hugely important in terms of keeping Wilson in check, and he could shift the game in Carolina's favor if he is able to generate consistent pressure.

Luke Willson

The tight end generally hasn't been a big part of Seattle's offense in recent years, but Luke Willson may be changing that due to his dynamic playmaking ability.

While the 24-year-old Canadian's usage is fairly volatile, he is capable of burning the defense at any moment. Never was that more apparent than in a Week 16 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Willson turned in the best game of his NFL career, as he caught three passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns.

After an 80-yard score, offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell was taken aback by his speed, according to Gregg Bell of The News Tribune:

Bevell also added that Willson's athleticism is a major asset for the Seahawks since it opens up the offense and forces opposing defenses to adjust, per Blount.

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It's huge for us. We're able to have a mismatch on linebackers and the defense has to decide, "OK, is the matchup the correct one to use or do we need to start putting safeties on him?" That does different things for us. Sometimes it uncovers disguises [by the defense] and all those kinds of things that can open up when you have that factor in the middle.

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Perhaps above all else, Willson is committed to doing anything asked of him to help the Seahawks win a second consecutive Super Bowl, according to Stephen Cohen of SeattlePI.com:

Willson is tough to figure out at times since he can go from making a spectacular play to botching a routine one with a drop. The suddenness factor makes him a truly dangerous weapon, though.

He caught a touchdown pass against Carolina earlier in the season, and there is no doubt that the Panthers will be wary of him Saturday.

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