The New Orleans Saints’ offense will look to build off what was a solid outing against the Browns. The great news for the Saints is that they seem to be getting healthier at the right time. The Saints have an offense that ranks 19th in total yards, averaging 325 yards per game; 15th in scoring, averaging 23.1 points per game; 26th in rushing, averaging 95.3 yards per game; and 14th in passing, averaging 230 yards per game. The Saints are actually one of the best teams on third down, converting 43.5%
of their attempts, which ranks seventh in the NFL.
This offense will be facing off against one of the weaker defenses in the league in the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers bring a defense that ranks below the Saints’ offense in nearly all of the aforementioned categories, except for passing yards allowed. The Panthers are allowing only 211 passing yards per game, which ranks ninth in the NFL.
The area the Saints should look to attack in this game will be the running game. The Saints do not necessarily have an advantage in this area, but the Panthers are so bad at defending the run that this could be a situation where the Saints’ weakness turns into a strength. The Saints are expecting to get RB Travis Etienne Jr. back from injury, and pairing Etienne Jr. with Audric Estime may give this offense the running back duo it has been searching for since the start of the season.
Carolina does not give up a lot of explosive passing plays. The Panthers are actually tied with Seattle for the fewest in the NFL, having allowed only 18. Because of how proficient their passing defense is, the Saints will need to complement the running game with a strategic passing attack that allows them to complete passes in the short and intermediate levels of the defense, forcing the Panthers’ safeties to start playing closer to the line of scrimmage.
The Saints have had offensive line issues all season, and those issues could be more prevalent on Sunday, as starting center Erik McCoy will be unavailable due to a biceps injury he suffered against the Browns last week. Missing McCoy for this game could be a big loss, but getting Etienne Jr. back could almost feel like an even trade.
If the Saints can run the ball with the same level of effectiveness they had against the Browns, it will help keep the Panthers’ pass rush in check. The Panthers have only 12 sacks so far this season, so neutralizing their pass rush could help make this offense more effective and potentially set the Saints up for one of their more complete performances of the season.
The Panthers’ defense is not that good, but the Saints’ offense has been very inconsistent. If the Saints can score early, keep the offense balanced, and protect the football, they should leave the Dome as the No. 1 team in the NFC South on Sunday afternoon.
How do you think the Saints will match up against this Panthers defense? Do you think the Saints can become the No. 1 team in the NFC South?
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