Divisional Duel

NFL Analyst, Charles Davis sums up the NFC South situation like this, “The biggest mistake everyone made in the South, was to let the Saints hang around until they got their game together.” 

Truth.

With a short week for the Saints, the team can only hope that the same momentum from Sunday tail-whipping of the Green Bay Packers will travel to Bank of America Stadium Thursday Night. The Saints’ blowout victory keeps them alive and makes them a contender for control of the division.  Next up, Old divisional foe, the Panthers sit atop the NFC South (3-4-1).  

The Panthers are entering game eight with broken hearts after a disappointing lost against the Seahawks. The game was tied at six throughout three quarters. But In the fourth, with less than a minute in regulation, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson led his troops down the field and shot a missile to Luke Wilson for the score and the game. Thursday, both the Panthers and the Saints will be hungry to get to .500.

Short and sweet this week. Here are your Keys to the Game.

 

 

Offense

Know your friend from your foe: Roman Harper used to be your teammate. He will be eager to have a big game. Harper already has three interceptions this season and will show out Thursday in front of a national audience.

Stay conservative: Carolina’s secondary will be tightly covering the Saints receivers. The Panthers will force tipped balls and deflections. Just to prove how good these guys are, the Panthers defense have on record 14 sacks and eight interceptions.*

Protect the Savior: Breesus isn’t just any old quarterback. He’s an elite quarterback. With players like Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson coming after him, you better be certain you have the right protection. A defense like Panthers have the ability to END Drew Brees’s season and career.

 

Defense

#Kill’em- Utilizing Kenny Vaccaro on the right side of the opposing quarterback is where he has his greatest impact. Look for him to bat or tip a pass or two in Thursday’s game.

Stay Conservative but stay close- The Panthers have many offensive weapons. It is important not to send everyone on the blitz. Don’t blitz often. You’re dealing with a running quarterback in Cam Newton. He does most of the damage with his feet but we know he has an arm. He also has some veteran targets like Jason Avant and Jerricho Cotchery, and rookie Kelvin Benjamin. Stay close. I’m sure we’ll be good for a few interference calls in this game, especially with these three. Offensive push-offs and defensive PI calls.

 May be a safety scored in this game.

Special Teams

Stay secure- Protect the ball and if the chance to make a play is not there, don’t take it.

Score prediction: Saints 20 Panthers 18




                                                                                                     Cheers,
                                                                                                        SC