By J. Reynolds
The winner of Sunday’s game in the Superdome will take sole possession of first place in the NFC South, and that’s about as big as a midseason game gets.
For the Saints, the path to victory is pretty straightforward. The offense needs to be punctual, and the defense needs to keep the pressure on Panthers QB Bryce Young.
Marching In… On Time
Shough & Company run on New Orleans time—always showing up late—and that’s become an issue. On average, the Saints score just 7 points in the first half of games, and they’ve only had a lead at halftime once this season.
In the second half, when they’re playing from behind, it’s a different story. They pick up the pace, average more than two touchdowns, and suddenly find themselves back in games that seemed all but decided.
New Orleans needs to create urgency early by running more no-huddle and moving faster out of the gate. They can’t let their opponents dictate the pace. The trick, as they say, is to play like you’re behind before you are.
The Bayou Bash Bros
Saints edge rushers Chase Young and Carl Granderson have combined for 15.5 sacks so far this season. Meanwhile, Bryce Young is holding onto the ball for almost three seconds when he drops back, and he’s taking more than three sacks per game.
That puts either of the Bayou Bash Bros within striking distance of the NFL sack lead—and they should be gunning for it. It’s the same path other Panthers’ opponents have taken to victory lately.
Carolina started the season hot, but now they’ve lost three straight. Over those three games, they've averaged just 17 points and Young has been sacked 14 times.
It’s safe to say what works against the Panthers, and the Saints have the personnel to make it happen.
Prediction
We’re all in agreement on the Saints winning this one, but that scares us a little. We don’t want to jinx it or anything.