Panthers veterans provide playoff hope at New Orleans

These four Carolina Panthers veterans could lead the team to victory on Sunday…

Following a dismal performance from the Carolina Panthers offense last week at Atlanta, optimistic expectations of a resurgence and road victory in New Orleans are hard to find. Even after an 11 win season, tied for fifth best in franchise history, there has been no real consistency from this playoff bound Panthers team.

Missing two key offensive starters in center Ryan Kalil and tight end Greg Olsen, quarterback Cam Newton shouldered much of the load during the year. He orchestrated three game-winning drives and despite being picked apart by analysts, finished the season with a career high in rushing yards and a completion percentage equal to his 2015 MVP campaign.

Losing both games to New Orleans already this season, Carolina needs a solid performance in all three phases to pull off the upset inside the Superdome. The Saints haven’t lost since Week 2 at home, winning seven straight and getting back in the playoffs for the first time since the 2013 season.

A veteran presence has helped Carolina both on and off the field this season. Amid outside controversy beginning with the firing of general manager Dave Gettleman just prior to training camp and most recently the announced investigation into owner Jerry Richardson and impending sale of the franchise, the Panthers have leaned on their experience.

Granted with at least one more opportunity as the sun sets on their careers, these four could not only lift Carolina over New Orleans, but get them all the way back to a Super Bowl.