Sunday’s Game Between Saints, Panthers Crucial For Both Teams
The fact that the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers find themselves in a similar position heading into Sunday’s game between the two teams is a surprise to most NFL observers.
The Panthers, who were 15-1 last season and made it to the Super Bowl, were believed to have one of the most potent offenses in the league coming into the season. But come Sunday, Carolina (1-4) and New Orleans (1-3) face the same predicament – win or face near-insurmountable odds the rest of the 2016 season. Is it must-win time for the two NFC South Division rivals? Maybe not just yet, but not far from it, either.
Here’s a look at some of the storylines for Sunday’s game in New Orleans:
Cam Newton is back
The timing of Carolina quarterback Cam Newton’s return isn’t great for Saints fans or the Saints’ defense. Newton missed Monday night’s game against Tampa Bay due to a concussion but is expected to play Sunday. Newton was the NFL’s MVP a year ago and passed for five touchdowns the last time he faced New Orleans. On the flip side, however, Newton has been nothing like his 2015 self so far and is on pace to have the worst season of his career. Newton’s passer rating of 80.2 ranks only 24th in the NFL and he’s tossed five interceptions in the four games he’s played.
Saints defense gets healthy?
While Newton has struggled mightily, he’ll face a New Orleans defense that has allowed the most points in the NFL. Moreover, it’s a defense that ranks 31st overall and has given up 422.8 yards per game.
The good news? The Saints hope to have several injured starters back on defense which is crucial when you consider that seven starters were missing in their last game at San Diego. Included among the players who could return Sunday is weakside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, who hasn’t played a down this season because of an injured quadriceps.
Drew Brees could be in for a big day
True, Saints quarterback Drew Brees is a threat to put up big numbers anytime he takes the field and he’ll face a Carolina defense that has mirrored the Panthers’ season; that is, it looks nothing like last year. The Panthers’ numbers on ‘D’ are off-kilter across the board: they rank 21st in sacks after finishing sixth in 2016 and have allowed 8.6 yards per pass play, which ranks 27th in the NFL. Atlanta receiver Julio Jones torched Carolina two weeks ago for 300 receiving yards, one of the highest single-game totals in league history.
Other notes
*Carolina leads the all-time series with the Saints 23-19.
*Brees has thrown for 27 touchdowns in his last four games at home.
*Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly is tied for the NFL lead with 57 tackles.
*Saints receiver Brandin Cooks had six receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown in the last meeting between the two teams.
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