CHARLOTTE — The Carolina Panthers looked every bit like a seven-win team while hosting Saturday's 27-16 NFC wild-card victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

Fortunately for the Panthers, the Cards looked worse.

Carolina moved to the divisional round thanks to a two-minute span in the third quarter when they turned a one-point deficit into a 13-point lead.

But other than that, the Panthers were fortunate to advance given their lack of playoff-caliber football.

Sure, there were some other good moments aside from the third quarter — an early 10-point lead, solid defense — but some awfully sloppy ones, too. The worst were a muffed punt and ill-advised Cam Newton interception that led to a pair of Cardinals touchdowns in the second quarter.

But it couldn't be a total surprise when the sub-.500 Panthers trailed at halftime despite having 208 yards of offense to Arizona's 65.

But much like they did during a four-game winning streak that clinched an unlikely NFC South title, Carolina, got its act together in time to secure their first postseason victory since the 2005 season.

That Arizona was even in the game for a half was testament to sloppy football by Carolina.

The Panthers' Brenton Bersin changed the momentum when he touched a bouncing punt with his team up by 10, which resulted in a turnover and turned into a Cardinals touchdown a half-dozen plays later. Newton added to the post-Christmas gifts when he threw a what-was-he-thinking interception to Antonio Cromartie, leading to another Arizona touchdown.

Gulp. Were the Panthers about to give away a playoff game to the Cardinals and third-string quarterback Ryan Lindley?

That question was answered when Carolina seized the momentum back in the third quarter.

Boom — a 39-yard touchdown catch by Fozzy Whittaker. Boom — another quick touchdown after the Cardinals fumbled the ensuing kickoff. The sequence deflated the Cardinals, got the home crowd back into the game and made Carolina's earlier errors less significant.

Even then, the Panthers weren't done with their mistakes. A fumble by Cam Newton with 12 minutes left opened the door for the Cardinals to get back into the game. But Lindley gave it right back with an interception on the next play — another misstep in the Cardinals' bad day.

Can the Panthers keep winning and beat either the Seattle Seahawks or Green Bay Packers next week on the road? It's not likely if they play like they did Saturday.

An error-free performance, though, would give them a chance.

And in the playoffs, that might be all they need.

Man, I gotta say the Panthers defense was pretty impressive. Other than that, they were sloppy as fuck. They're fucked after this round.

That defense is underrated this season, or at the least based on what they've done recently. I know they were playing a trash, under-manned offense, but still, to be THAT dominant... They'll also give the Seahawks offense some trouble too IMO. But they're done.

Underrated all season? Man, that defense wasn't stopping anything until like week 14

Man, they might keep it a close game in the 1st half. In the 2nd half, they done.

Couldnt tell if the defense was that good or Cardinals offense was that bad

I think it was a mix of both.

If Carson Palmer was starting that game, the outcome would of probably been different.

^ No

Closer game definitely, but the Panthers would've still won it. Having Ellington as well may have helped cause a different outcome tho. They needed a better RB desperately.

The Cards were trying everything offensively. They had some pretty good play calling but the Panthers were stopping it all. They would've made it tough on any QB, and I think they'll show that again next week (despite a very likely loss and despite the fact they have a great scrambler & elite RB to worry about). A better passer would've helped but the Panthers defense just had it on lock that game. I really doubt Palmer alone would've made a big enough difference to give them the win from what I saw that game. REALLY doubt it.

You honestly think Palmer would of faired just as bad as Lindley did?

Man, the Cards are basically a second string team. They're missing so many key players.

Definitely not just as bad, but also pretty bad, yes.

Señor L.O.B. wrote:

Man, the Cards are basically a second string team. They're missing so many key players.

I'm not denying that. With a full team then yeah the outcome could've definitely been different. Let's say they had Dockett, Ellington & Palmer... that could've made the difference. But just having Palmer to play at QB? Nah. That game was nowhere near as close as the score showed (and it was an 11 point game in the end).

Man, the Cards were the best team in the league before everyone got hurt & Carolina were one of the worst, t'f is Burdur talking about? Told you this nigga doesn't watch the games

This nigga's looking back to Week 3.

The Panthers aren't the same team they were. And I just said there could've been a different outcome IF the Cards had their full team for this game. Not if they just had Palmer.

The Cards would have whooped that ass with their best team.

If you think the Panthers are the same team as in the beginning of the season then you must be the one not watching games.

They're not the same, but they're still trash.

The only thing that's good is their front.

Oh, so the same Panther team that got stomped by Minnesota a few weeks ago

Is your point that the Cardinals would have won this game with Carson Palmer?

Yes, they would. This nigga hyping up Carolina like they were good on defense all year.

Look at the quality of opponent the last 4 weeks: Tampa, Cleveland, New Orleans, & Atlanta

You really don't understand NFL playoffs. They've been playing really well lately and have major momentum. The hot teams in the playoffs are not something to look over. And they have the talent there on defense, especially in their front 7, how can you say they don't? They also have much of the same players as last year and they showed what they can do. Sometimes teams go hot and cold, nigga.

One player: Carson Palmer; simply wasn't going to make the difference that game. That's as clear as day.

^^ Also, you were praising the Falcons offense just 2 weeks ago. Panthers shut them down pretty damn well.

As far as I'm concerned, them niggas shouldn't have even been in the playoffs anyways, especially w/ a losing record.

But yeah, when the Seahawks low-powered offense puts 40 up on them next week, let's see if you're still on the bandwagon