The Carolina Panthers have owned the all-time series against the Arizona Cardinals, winning 13 of their 18 total matchups. In fact, they even won each of the last five meetings, including victories over the previous two seasons.

But, in case you haven’t noticed, things might be a different this time around.

So, for a deeper look into how these NFC-leading Cardinals are currently flying, we asked Cards Wire managing editor Jess Root for some insight.

Panthers Wire: There were probably some solid expectations, at the very least, for the Cardinals entering the season. But did anyone really think they’d be this good? What do you mainly attribute their dominant 8-1 run to?

Cards Wire: I was on the record in the offseason saying that the entire NFC West, as constructed, had a Super Bowl ceiling. However, what my expectation was a 10 or 11-win season as a wild card.

I thought they could be this good, but didn’t think they would be this consistent. I felt the offense would be top-flight. I felt the defense could be very good. It has been the defense that has been the difference. They are a top-five unit in scoring and scoring defense.

PW: Panthers fans are no strangers to dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks. In fact, they’re getting theirs back! But, as far as this contest goes, all eyes will be on Arizona’s Kyler Murray (if he’s cleared). How special of a player are we seeing right now?

CW: Murray is special.

He used his legs a lot last season. He was insistent that he didn’t need to use his legs and he would rather not have to use them. They are a luxury. He uses them to make plays in the passing game, keeping plays alive.

The second phase of plays when initial reads around routes are extended is what the Cardinals are excelling at. Murray has taken ownership and is being more than just a young, talented star. He is the unquestioned leader.

PW: Speaking of Panthers fans, they certainly must be happy that the Cardinals didn’t re-sign Haason Reddick—who’s currently second in the NFC in sacks (8.5). What stood out to you about the former first-round pick in his 12.5-sack campaign from 2020 that, perhaps, made you believe that success was sustainable?

CW: I doubted Reddick’s ability to play the edge full-time. I felt his size was going to limit him to being a situational pass rusher.

When he played every down over the second half of the season and actually got better at the things other than rushing the passer, that was when I felt he could do something over more seasons. He went five games with no sacks and then had the one game with five. After that, though, he was consistently getting one a game.

Can he do it for the next five to 10 years? I think that will be hard once his elite get-off slows.

PW: The only man in the conference with more quarterback takedowns than Reddick is Cardinals linebacker Markus Golden. What has he provided this Arizona defense in what’s now his second stint with the franchise?

CW: Golden is why Reddick didn’t come back.

He is a bigger, stronger pass rusher who came at a fraction of the price. He is proving he can be the primary rusher, too. No one is more relentless than he is.

And with Chandler Jones getting hurt last year and being MIA for a few games this year, he has provided the necessary edge presence.

PW: We’ll shift to another backer in Isaiah Simmons—whose name was pretty hot amongst Panthers fans going into the 2020 draft. They, obviously, passed up on the Clemson product for defensive tackle Derrick Brown. But, just for curiosity’s sake, how much of a step forward has Simmons taken from his rookie season?

CW: One, Simmons is playing. The thing that makes him so great is that he is a difference-maker even when he isn’t putting up gaudy stats.

He plays off the ball, in coverage and off the edge. He covers up things that could be problems. It has been fun to watch and he will get more recognition soon.