Analyzing the Panthers' next opponent: New Orleans Saints

[Zod]

The Carolina Panthers step back into their division at home Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, a team they defeated 16-13 in the Big Easy. Stan Olson takes a quick look at the Saints, who lost 23-10 Sunday at Houston:
WHAT WENT RIGHT
The best news is that the Saints, just like the Panthers, haven't eliminated themselves from the NFC South race despite the fact both teams have 4-6 records. Both trail leader Tampa Bay (6-4) by two games, making this week's game a big one.It appears offensive tackle Jammal Brown, a key component in the line, avoided serious injury when his left leg was bent backward Sunday. He'll likely play against Carolina. The defense toughened up in the second half against the Texans, allowing six points after being burned for 17 before the break.
WHAT WENT WRONG
This was New Orleans' second straight loss after the team appeared to have righted itself with four consecutive wins following an 0-4 start. Making it worse is that the Saints lost in back-to-back weeks to two beatable teams, the formerly winless Rams and the Texans. Quarterback Drew Brees threw two interceptions, but both probably should have been caught by tight end Eric Johnson. Running back Reggie Bush lost a first-quarter fumble at the Houston 1, although Bush insisted it was a bad call, and New Orleans' running game managed 47 yards on 19 rushes. Houston receiver Andre Johnson burned the Saints for a 73-yard touchdown catch, and New Orleans has now allowed 60 pass plays of 16 yards or more.
WILD CARD
It could be Brees, who is capable of putting up monster games. He might have to, because the Saints' running game has languished with the loss of veteran Deuce McAllister to knee surgery and injured reserve.Bush is talented but heavily burdened as opponents concentrate on stopping him first. He caught 12 passes as New Orleans tried to break him loose and take advantage of his agility, but those passes gained 70 yards.

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[Davidson Deac]

Bush is not all that talented. Good receiver, but only a decent running back, nothing more.

[4saintspirit]

Its a tossup -- depends on which Saints you get == the good saints or the evil ones -- the good ones can beat anyone -- especially since even againts our defense the Panthers will not score over 20 -- the bad Saints that turn the ball over 4 times where anyone can and has beaten them

[MatrixIII]

Panthers will end the home win drought this Sunday since Saints cannot play good football in a cold (rainy?) stadium.

[PowerlessDan]

Oh how good a win against the Saints at home would feel.

[Mintal]

Originally Posted by 4saintspirit

Its a tossup -- depends on which Saints you get == the good saints or the evil ones -- the good ones can beat anyone -- especially since even againts our defense the Panthers will not score over 20 -- the bad Saints that turn the ball over 4 times where anyone can and has beaten them

I thought the good Saints were the ones that rolled over and the evil Saints were the ones that could beat anybody? I guess it's a matter of perspective.

I sure hope we get the good Saints this weekend.

[Darth Bobo]

We can score on this defense.

If we play Tampa-2 then our corners have to be able to stop Colston. Otherwise, our safeties do. Colston is the Saints best red zone threat, and he needs to be voided, his size is a matchup problem for Gamble.

Pick-6's should be looked for ALL GAME LONG, because our corners are generally better than their noname receivers.

Not worried about Bush. He'll get his midfield yardage and that's about it, he cannot run through our red zone run D, but he may look for a shovel there.

I say the game will go as our special teams go. If they play like shit again, then hang it up, boys, because the Saints take some pride in their special teams.

[xxx4ever]

Bush-league at best