If there's one thing no one has to worry about Sunday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., it's that the New Orleans Saints will take lightly their matchup against Carolina.
The Panthers are 1-7 and when last they saw the Saints – in the season opener this year – New Orleans dropped a 47-10 beating in their lap. But the Panthers' lone victory, on Sept. 22 against Las Vegas, has come more recently than the last win by the Saints (2-6), who toppled Dallas on Sept. 15.
The teams are on losing streaks of six (New Orleans) and five (Carolina) games. Something has to give; here are a few ways New Orleans can do the taking:
1. REV UP CARR
Saints quarterback Derek Carr returns after a three-game absence due to an oblique injury, and New Orleans has missed him. The team needs a steadying influence on offense and, hopefully, the production that should come along with it. The Saints averaged 15 points per game in his absence and scored three touchdowns on offense. The offensive line, relatively healthy, should be better than it was against the Chargers and Carr should be able to help by diagnosing quickly and getting rid of the ball.
2. PLAY FROM AHEAD
The Saints have trailed for the last 10 quarters. Taking an early lead is paramount, because forcing Carolina's offense to mount a comeback is exactly what is needed. The Panthers average 15.5 points per game and have struggled as much as the Saints, if not more. Putting the pressure on that offense to score will put New Orleans in a better position to generate sacks and turnovers.
3. SLICE THE CHUNKS
The Saints haven't been able to establish any consistency on defense because of the propensity to allow chunk plays. The Chargers had a 38-yard run and pass plays of 60, 45, 27 and 24 yards; Denver had runs of 32, 21 and 20 yards and completions of 30, 23 and 20; and the list goes on. On the surface, a Panthers team that averages 15.5 points and 281.9 yards per game – third and fourth fewest in the league, respectively – would appear to be the perfect remedy. If ever there was a get-right game on paper for the defense, this would be it. Here's a chance for linebacker Demario Davis and his unit to find its legs.
4. QB HARASSMENT
The best way to get right on defense is to get after second-year quarterback Bryce Young, who's back in the starting lineup due to Andy Dalton's thumb injury. Young has completed 60 percent of his passes for just 523 yards and two touchdowns, with five interceptions, in three starts and five games. He's coming off his best game – 24 of 37 for 224 yards and two touchdowns, with two interceptions, in last week's loss to Denver – so New Orleans must squash that bit of momentum with a pass rush that has to be more effective than it has been in the last month.
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