NFL Week 1 Predictions: 3 Reasons Why the Carolina Panthers Will Upset Arizona

NFL Week 1 has finally arrived, and this late afternoon, the Carolina Panthers will upset the Arizona Cardinals. 

Call it a bold statement, call me crazy, call it whatever you want. But when the two teams take the field, the Panthers are going to come out on top. Kevin Kolb and Cam Newton are both making debuts today, although they are in slightly different situations. 

Newton, the first overall pick out of Auburn, will be making his NFL debut while Kolb will be making his first start as a member of the Cardinals. 

The lockout hurt everyone, but Newton and Kolb are two quarterbacks that it really hurt. Kolb would have been moved earlier in the offseason had there not been a lockout and would have had much more time to learn the offense in Arizona.

Newton had a steep learning curve coming into the NFL, but the shortened offseason has him way behind.

Excuses will only get you so far in the NFL; all that matters is your win-loss record. After today, the Panthers will be 1-0 and here's why:

Running Game

The Cardinals were atrocious against the run last season, and although they upgraded their defense by drafting Patrick Peterson, the organization didn't do enough to help the run defense. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart a.k.a. "Double Trouble" are the healthiest they've ever been at the same. 

Williams will be Carolina's primary back this season one would think after he signed a massive contract during free agency. It was a rough season for Williams a year ago, but it will prove to be an aberration. Prior to last season, Williams had averaged five yards or more per carry for three straight seasons.

Yet, for some reason, Carolina was criticized for giving Williams the dollar amount they did. That's neither here nor there but it's definitely motivation for him. 

Offensive coordinator Rod Chudzinski has some pieces to work with on offense in two good backs, Steve Smith, Greg Olsen and Newton. Carolina's running game is in for a big afternoon and that includes Newton helping out with his legs also.

Too Much, Too Soon for Kolb

Arizona gave up a king's ransom for Kolb—then rewarded him with a lucrative contract extension—which puts entirely too much pressure on him too soon. He hasn't had enough time to fully wrap his arms around the playbook, so it will have to be scaled down like the Panthers do with Newton.

I do believe Kolb could be a very good quarterback, I just think the situation he finds himself in right now could lead to a rough start. Think about it this way: Newton's job this afternoon is to take care of the football, make a couple big play and complete the easy throws. Kolb, on the other hand, is going to have to play much better than Newton for the Cardinals to win.

The luxury of running backs the Panthers have is not enjoyed in the desert. Arizona will roll into the season with the underachieving Beanie Wells to receive most of the carries. If Wells struggles it will say a lot about the Cardinals' running game as a whole. 

Carolina is starting two rookie defensive tackles who looked entirely overwhelmed in the preseason. The Cardinals need to be able to run the ball to make it easier on Kolb, but I have serious doubts they can.

Another ominous sign for the Cardinals is the loss of Steve Breaston to the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason. Will Kolb have enough receiving threats to take the pressure off of Larry Fitzgerald, so he doesn't have to do it all? Once again, I have serious doubts.

Evenly Matched

The gap between these two teams is perceived to be much larger than it actually is. The Cardinals play in one of the worst divisions in football, which will give them an honest opportunity at the playoffs. That doesn't mean that Carolina isn't on an even playing field, though.

Yes, Newton has a long ways to go. And yes, the defensive line and secondary are cause for concern. But it isn't as if Arizona comes into this game without flaws. I've already mentioned the run defense and offense along with a lack of a second receiving threat. 

Carolina is coming off of a miserable 2-14 season in which they had a lame duck head coach in John Fox at the helm, a variety of injuries and Jimmy Clausen under center. That is a perfect storm of awful. 

However, the Panthers come into the season relatively healthy despite losing two offensive lineman for the year during the preseason, and free agent signee Ron Edwards to a torn triceps in training camp. They'll have Williams at full speed, Stewart is moving well, the same with Smith and most importantly, Clausen won't see the field on Sunday. 

It's hard to shake off the stink of 2-14 but the Panthers have done their best to do so. They have a new quarterback and coaching staff to go with a sense of hope--something that was missing last season. Yet it isn't surprising that the media and general public undervaluing the Panthers. I would to if I didn't follow them with a close eye.

But I do, and I see an upset victory for Carolina in the desert.

Prediction: Carolina 23, Arizona 17