We have all seen or heard of the movie Nightmare On Elm Street. Freddy Krueger is an evil character that preys on people in their dreams. He turns sweet dreams, into nightmares. That is exactly what the Arizona Cardinals did to Jake Delhomme, and the Carolina Panthers in the 2008 NFC Divisional Playoffs.

The 2008 NFC Divisional playoffs matchup against the Cardinals was a nightmare for the Carolina Panthers. It was Jake Delhomme’s worst game of his career. Delhomme was only sacked twice, but was hurried all game. When he was scrambling for his life he threw five interceptions, and had one fumble.

The Charlotte Observer contacted Jake about the 2008 NFC Playoff game and he said, "Whatever I did, I did wrong. I don't know any other way to put it." When Delhomme was asked about his memory of specific details from the game he said, "If I said that, I'd have to be haunted by every single bad game I played. I had no injury situation. I did the same thing I did for every single game of my career ½ the process, the preparation. But it just wasn't my night. I was terrible." I wouldn’t blame Delhomme if he actually had nightmares about this game.

The Cardinals and Panthers are meeting on January 3, 2015 for another NFC Playoff matchup in Charlotte. Panthers fans across the nation are hoping that Freddy Kruger doesn't show up to play.

This is why the Panthers will win, and the Nightmare on Mint Street won’t repeat itself….

Five Reason’s Why Jake Delhomme, and the Panthers Will Have Sweet Dreams Tonight:

1. Ryan Lindley – Carson Palmer signed a big deal, and then suffered a torn ACL against the St. Louis Rams on November 9, 2014. Drew Stanton took over at quarterback, and then sprained his MCL. These injuries have put Ryan Lindley in the starting quarterback position. Lindley is 1-2 in the three games that he started for the Cardinals, with a QBR of 37.8. He has thrown two touchdowns, and four interceptions. As you can tell Ryan Lindley is not a normal playoff quarterback, and struggles under pressure.

2. Andre Ellington’s Injury – Andre Ellington is often compared to Jamaal Charles with his ability to run, and catch the ball. I drafted him this year in fantasy football, and he helped me out when he was healthy. Ellington was their starting running back to start the season, but he has was placed on injured reserve in December with a hernia. The Cardinals now have to rely on young running backs Stepfan Taylor, and Kerwynn Williams for offense. This plays right into the hands of the Panthers. Both running backs will feel the pressure of the playoffs, and the Panthers defensive line. Can we say turnovers?

3. Cam Newton’s Scrambling Ability – Cam Newton is listed at 6’ 5”, 245 lbs. He is a dual-threat quarterback who isn't scared of getting hit. Their defense is quick, but it also ranks 29th in passing. As long as Newton can use his legs to extend the play, he will have time to connect with his wide receivers down field. This will result in a big day for Cam Newton, and the Panthers offense.

4. Defense – The Panthers defense turned it on in the last four games of the season, and only allowed 10.75 points per game. Their defense finished top 10 in the NFL. They were 11th in passing, and 16th in rushing. The Panthers front seven is strong, and the young defensive secondary is playing at a high level. The defensive line will be able to pressure Lindley, with the defensive secondary shutting down Fitzgerald, and Floyd.

5. Momentum – The Panthers won their last four games of the season. They are the hottest team in NFL, and have found their recipe for success. Superman is playing well, the offensive line can block, and the Panthers defense is back!

What is your game prediction?

By, Justin Raymond

Follow Me On Twitter @JayRay19