Game Details
On Sunday at noon, the Saints (8-2) will continue along what will be a stretch of three NFC South contests in 12 days, when they host the Carolina Panthers (5-5) at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. This series has been the tightest among the Saints' division rivals with Carolina leading 25-23 in the regular season and the Saints capturing the 2017 NFC Divisional Playoff matchup. Head Coach Sean Payton is 12-12 against Carolina in the regular season in addition to the postseason win over the Panthers.
Carolina Panthers quotes
Head coach Ron Rivera on Demario Davis' contributions to the Saints defense:
"Well I will tell you, it is his speed and that's what this league is really turning into is a speed league when you see a guy that can run around and make plays for them as a linebacker that can run. We've been very fortunate in my time here. We've had three guys that can really truly get after it. In terms of fast, every down playmaker guys and you're starting to see that with him as he gets more and more comfortable in what they do in the way they do things."
Head coach Ron Rivera on what makes Michael Thomas so difficult to guard:
"Because he goes after the ball. He does not wait for the ball to get to him. He goes and gets it. There are some receivers that run great routes that are fast and run by people, but don't go get the ball when it's in the air. Their mentality's not the same as this guy's. This guy's mentality is the ball's in the air, it's mine. As a coach, you appreciate that mentality."
Quarterback Kyle Allen on the Saints defense:
"I think they've improved as a defense from last year. I think they're a very solid defense. They've got a lot of great playmakers and they're being put in position to make good plays. Their defense plays tough and they create turnovers, they create a lot of confusion, and they've got a lot of playmakers."
Tight end Greg Olsen on playing in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome:
"Those guys are playing well. They've got a good team. We know this place well, it's a hard place to play."
Statistical Comparison
| Saints | Panthers | |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 8-2 | 5-5 |
| Scoring Avg. (NFL Rank) | 23.8 (13) | 22.8 (15) |
| Opp. Scoring Avg. (NFL Rank) | 19.9 (12) | 25.7 (25) |
| Total Off. (NFL Rank) | 364.0 (9) | 346.6 (18) |
| Rushing Off. (NFL Rank) | 107.5 (17) | 126.0 (10) |
| Passing Off. (NFL Rank) | 256.5 (9) | 220.6 (22) |
| Total Def. (NFL Rank) | 318.3 (5t) | 362.0 (19) |
| Rushing Def. (NFL Rank) | 85.3 (3) | 128.4 (27) |
| Passing Def. (NFL Rank) | 233.0 (13) | 233.6 (14) |
| Kickoff Return Avg. (NFL Rank) | 21.4 (21) | 21.7 (19) |
| Punt Return Avg. (NFL Rank) | 9.8 (4) | 7.1 (15) |
| Turnover Margin (NFL Rank) | +8 (4) | Even (16t) |
| Penalties | 75 | 59 |
| Penalty Yards | 566 | 527 |
| Opp. Penalties | 57 | 77 |
| Opp. Penalty Yards | 444 | 610 |
More related links of what the Carolina Panthers are saying about the New Orleans Saints
Film Breakdown with Ron Rivera: Breaking down the Saints "mug" front
Coach Ron Rivera and former player Mike Tolbert hit the film room to break down the New Orleans "mug" front with multiple defenders showing blitz.
The Panthers must remain balanced to get the most out of Christian McCaffrey
Christian McCaffrey is Carolina's greatest strength. He leads the league in rushing yards per game (105.9) and scrimmage yards per game (157.6). He also leads the league in rushing touchdowns (11) and total touchdowns (14). As a team, Carolina's 5.10 yards per rush attempt is second-best.
James Bradberry tasked with keeping Michael Thomas and his "Popeye arm" under control
Panthers No. 1 cornerback James Bradberry is coming off one of two annual matchups against Julio Jones – considered by many to be the most talented wideout in the NFL. He's already faced Evans twice and he battled Hopkins earlier in the year. Now he's got a Week 12 matchup against Michael Thomas, who is on pace to break Marvin Harrison's record for catches in a single season (143).
Scouting Report: Saints got back on track before matchup with Panthers
Two weeks ago a crack appeared in the New Orleans Saints' armor. Now, a week later and following a sound 34-17 defeat of the Buccaneers, it seems like the Saints have repaired that crack nicely. As the Panthers prepare to head to New Orleans for another NFC South matchup on Sunday, it's time to look at how the Saints were able to get back on track.
