The Panthers are running the ball well, and playing well on defense.
But as much as that has helped them make the playoffs, the fact they’re physically well is as important.
The Panthers are remarkably healthy entering Saturday’s playoff game against the Cardinals, and coach Ron Rivera knows that’s why they’re here.
“It really is about being healthy at the end of the year and being hot,” Rivera said, via Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review. “My time in Chicago with coach [Lovie] Smith, we hit it real good with the Super Bowl run we made. Again, a lot of it had to do with the health of our guys and playing well at the end.”
The only injury of note is a hamstring pull for safety Thomas DeCoud, but he was benched during their youth movement in the secondary anyway. Otherwise, the only thing issues have been things like backup quarterback Derek Anderson missing time with the flu, but he was back on the practice field Thursday.
Of course, the Cardinals can’t say the same, as they’re down to third-string quarterback Ryan Lindley.