It’s the NFC South opener for the New Orleans Saints (0-2) and Carolina Panthers (2-0), two teams on very different trajectories. The Panthers have won a couple of hard fought game over opponents they should have destroyed, while the Saints have looked like a North Korea missile test, just immediately imploding without lifting off from the launch pad.
This game is coming at you at 1 p.m. EST on your local FOX affiliate.
The Game: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers (-5.5)
O/U: 46.0
The History
These two teams have been division opponents since Carolina entered the league in 1995. They started out as NFC West (yep, don’t ask me) rivals and then moved to the NFC South in 2002. The Atlanta Falcons were also in the NFC West back in those days. It was a scene, man.
The Panthers won four of the first five games between the two teams, with a team built out of plenty of Saints players. Carolina leads the all time series 24-20.
The longest New Orleans win streak was five games, beginning in October, 2000 and lasting until November, 2002.
The Panthers’ longest streak made it to four games from October, 2010 to October 2011. The two teams split last year’s match ups with the Saints winning the first one, 41-38, and the Panthers taking the late season game, 23-20.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-2)
It’s been a rough start for the Saints on defense as they’ve surrendered 65 points over their first two games. New Orleans has managed no consistent pass rush and can’t seem to cover anyone in the passing game. They make up for it by being terrible against the run.
Last week they rejuvenated Tom Brady by allowing him to complete 30 of 39 passes for 447 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Drew Brees had a solid game of his own, tossing 356 yards and two touchdowns, but this one was over at halftime when New Orleans trailed 30-10.
Adrian Peterson is going to have to do something with the carries that he gets before he can complain to head coach Sean Payton about his touches. He gained 26 yards on eight carries last week with a long of six yards. You can’t run much when you’re down by 20-3 in the first quarter.
Brandon Coleman has emerged as a solid wide receiver target for Brees opposite Michael Thomas. The issue isn’t with the Saints being able to move the ball, as long as Brees is back there it’s going to happen. The problem is they need to score touchdowns on pretty much every possession to stay in the game because their defense is easier than a hungry Reno hooker with a hook hand.
CAROLINA PANTHERS (2-0)
Like Joe Flacco of the Baltimore Ravens, Cam Newton was held out most off the off-season and the rust has shown in his performances. He was better last week against the Buffalo Bills, completing 20 of 32 passes for 228 yards with no touchdowns and no picks, but he never lead anything more than field goal drives. He needs a break out game. And here the Saints are all ready to help.
I think Newton is going to blow up against this Saints defense and carve them up for his first 300 yard game of the season. If you’ve been waiting for rookie running back Christian McCaffrey to put up some big numbers, this is probably the game.
The Panthers’ defense sacked Tyrod Taylor three times last week and while you might think that means Brees will be under pressure from Julius Peppers and Mario Addison all day, the Drewster has a quick release that keeps him off the stat sheet. The Panthers will have to slow New Orleans down by tackling and not letting their receivers make any big plays downfield.
The Pick
The Saints haven’t been within double digits in a game this season. I think that changes Sunday in a contest that turns into a shootout. Panthers 31, Saints 30
This week
Straight up: 1-0
Against the spread: 0-1
Last week
Straight up: 11-5
Against the spread: 8-8
Season
Straight up: 21-10
Against the spread: 16-15
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