Saints vs. Panthers
The big question going into this game is if the Saints will have anything left in the tank after their emotional win over the Falcons on Monday night.
The Saints will look to run on the Panthers defense, which has allowed 152.0 yards rushing per game. RBs Deuce McAllister (218 rushing yards) and Reggie Bush (125 yards rushing, 139 yards receiving) will be testing the Panthers Front 7 early. If the Saints run well, look for Drew Brees to take some shots down the field for Marques Colston (15 rec, 204 yards), Joe Horn (10 rec, 160 yards) and Devery Henderson.
The Panthers offense looked good last week against the Bucs. The Panthers will attempt to run a balanced offense against an aggressive Saints defense that is only allowing 266.7 yards per game. DeShaun Foster will need to have a good game, his 3.4 average will not cut it this week. The Panthers need to establish a running game to slow the Saints pass rush that already has 12 sacks this season. Look for Delhomme to take some deep shots with Steve Smith (112 yards rec. last week) and Keyshawn Johnson (16 rec, 243 yards) over the middle.
This should be a great game that could go either way.
Carolina can be beaten. It’s asking a lot, but teams that go to the playoffs get a lot asked of them, they respond more often than not. Perhaps Monday night gave them a clear vision of what they can be. And these other teams in the division are not super teams either. Saints have more long term upside than any of them.
I agree with everything you’ve said. I do think that the Saints defense has been playing over their heads, but the Panthers really don’t have a ton of firepower. This should be a great game, and if the Saints win…they will be in the driver’s seat in the NFC South.