CHARLOTTE – How are the Panthers defensive backs possibly going to keep up with the Cardinals wide receivers in the NFC Championship?
Each time a member of the Carolina secondary heard a question along those lines last week, it added a little more fuel to the fire.
Coaches added more fuel during meetings. They made one thing very clear: The secondary was going to be challenged, and it was up to the group to respond accordingly.
"Coach (Steve) Wilks never let up on us," safety Kurt Coleman said. "He and (defensive coordinator) Sean McDermott really called us out as a DB unit and said, 'In order for us to win, you're going to have to play a big game.'
"So what are we doing to do? What are we going to do as a group? We played our style of football."
The Panthers proved they were up the challenge and then some in a dominant 49-15 victory. Quarterback Carson Palmer, leader of one of the league's most feared offenses, finished with a passer rating of 43.2. His longest completion went for 21 yards.
His top target, future Hall of Fame wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, finished with just four catches for 30 yards.
"We were challenged. It pisses you off, because they put on their pants the same way you do," cornerback Cortland Finnegan said. "They had the best offense and they said it was going to be a mismatch in the slot with Fitzgerald. Our coach challenged us, especially me. I had a tall task covering him in the slot.
"But the front four got after him early and it made our jobs easy. We made them pay."
The Cardinals took their trademark deep shots early in the game to no avail. And as the first half wore on, the Panthers defensive line continued to put Palmer under duress.
"The whole entire defense did it together," cornerback Robert McClain said. "We wanted to cover. We wanted to get that ball."
The NFL league leaders in takeaways during the regular season took it away from Arizona seven times – four interceptions and three fumbles.
"We felt if we could mix it up and do a good job disguising, move guys around, we felt we could give ourselves a chance," head coach Ron Rivera said.
Coleman recorded two of the four interceptions. The other two picks came courtesy of safety Tre Boston and linebacker Luke Kuechly, who returned his for a 22-yard touchdown.
"Those guys had a great plan for us across the board," Fitzgerald said. "They executed their plan very well. Carolina just put a great game together."
In the end, it was all-but-forgotten cornerbacks Finnegan and McClain – signed by Carolina in the middle of the season – who got the better of Palmer and his explosive weapons.
Said McClain: "Cortland told me before the game, 'Hey man, we are meant to be here. This is our time.'"
View game action photos from Carolina's 49-15 win over Arizona in the NFC Championship.
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton is introduced before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Carolina Panthers' Jonathan Stewart is introduced before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Carolina Panthers' Mike Tolbert is introduced before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson hits a drum before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera watches warm ups before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Arizona Cardinals' David Johnson runs during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton throws during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Arizona Cardinals' Justin Bethel (28) tries to stop Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn after a catch during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers kicker Graham Gano makes a field goal during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Carolina Panthers' Robert McClain breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals' John Brown during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Arizona Cardinals' Carson Palmer (3) is hit by Carolina Panthers' Cortland Finnegan as he throws during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton throws during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton flips the ball to Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn for a touchdown run during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn gets past Arizona Cardinals' Justin Bethel for a touchdown run during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn gets past Arizona Cardinals' Justin Bethel for a touchdown run during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn runs for a touchdown as teammate Cam Newton runs with him during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton throws during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Corey Brown gets away from Arizona Cardinals' Rashad Johnson for a touchdown after a catch during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Corey Brown breaks away for a touchdown after a catch during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Corey Brown celebrates his touchdown catch during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Corey Brown celebrates a touchdown catch with fans during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton hands seven-year-old Cameron Gandy a ball after a touchdown during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Seven-year-old Cameron Gandy celebrates after Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton gave him a touchdown ball during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton and Joe Webb celebrate a touchdown run during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Arizona Cardinals' Carson Palmer fumbles as he is hit by Carolina Panthers' Kawann Short and Mario Addison (97) during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly recovers a fumble by Arizona Cardinals' Carson Palmer during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Arizona Cardinals' Darren Fells is hit by Carolina Panthers' Thomas Davis (58) and Luke Kuechly after catching a pass during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Arizona Cardinals' David Johnson runs past Carolina Panthers' Shaq Green-Thompson during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Arizona Cardinals' David Johnson runs for a touchdown during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Arizona Cardinals' David Johnson runs for a touchdown past Carolina Panthers' Kony Ealy (94) during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera argues a call during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton throws during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Jonathan Stewart is stopped short of the goal line during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates his touchdown run during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates his touchdown run during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Jonathan Stewart and Cam Newton celebrate a touchdown during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Arizona Cardinals' Carson Palmer throws during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Kurt Coleman is congratulated after intercepting a pass during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton throws during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn catches a pass in front of Arizona Cardinals' Jerraud Powers during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn catches a pass for a first down during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn catches a pass during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton throws during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton runs for a first down past Arizona Cardinals' Chris Clemons (29) during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates a first down run during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton runs for a touchdown during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates his touchdown run with Ted Ginn (19) during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates his touchdown run during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton leaps in the end zone for a touchdown run during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton leaps into the end zone for a touchdown run during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates his touchdown run with Jonathan Stewart (289) during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald catches a pass in front of Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Robert McClain breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Arizona Cardinals' John Brown is called for a face mask penalty after Carolina Panthers' Kurt Coleman (20) intercepted a pass during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
A fan holds a sign during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton runs past Arizona Cardinals' Kenny Demens for a first down during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton- celebrates a first down pass during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Carolina Panthers' Mike Tolbert gets past Arizona Cardinals' Sean Weatherspoon for a two-point conversion during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly is congratulated after intercepting a pass and running it back for a touchdown during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Carolina Panthers' Tre Boston intercepts a pass during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson (21) consoles Frostee Rucker during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Arizona Cardinals' Carson Palmer watches from the bench during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson reacts during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Some Carolina Panthers celebrate from the bench during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Some Carolina Panthers celebrate from the bench during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Some Carolina Panthers celebrate from the bench during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Some Carolina Panthers celebrate from the bench during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera is congratulated by Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians after the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton talks to Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald after the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates with Jonathan Stewart after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera holds the George Halas Trophy after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers celebrate after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson holds his son Charles Johnson Jr. after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Carolina Panthers' Greg Olsen celebrates after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Carolina Panthers'defensive end Charles Johnson kisses the George Halas Trophy after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman celebrates after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers players hold the George Halas Trophy after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman takes a selfie after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers players celebrate with fans after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Kawann Short celebrates with fans after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
