Carolina Panthers: Five things that must happen in December

Carolina must beat the Saints

I hate to make it seem like the entire schedule comes down to two games, especially in the critical month of December. However, that may be the case. The Carolina Panthers must  beat the New Orleans Saints both times in order to strengthen their playoff case and stay in the playoff hunt. Ideally, they have to win out.

I fully recognize that beating the Saints twice would not be an easy thing to do. The Saints have the number six passing offense in the National Football League with 3,230 yards accumulated on the season. With an MVP candidate in quarterback Drew Brees, the Panthers will have their hands full. However, it is not just Brees that makes the Saints offense function at a high level. Running backs Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram as well as wide receiver Michael Thomas headline a unit that has been firing on all cylinders as of late. Combine that with a defense that has recorded the second-most sacks in all of football (37), and you have a team that is tough to beat.

The Panthers should of taken notes during the game on Thursday night as the Cowboys came away with the victory. One of the things they have to do is get pressure up the middle and in the face of Brees. If they can do that, they have a chance at making the two games tough for New Orleans. A lot would have to happen in order for the Panthers to at least own a share of the division but it is possible. The team would have to beat New Orleans in both games as well as hope for one more Saints loss over the next five. Although that is probably not likely,  it is certainly plausible. In addition, the Panthers have to win all of their remaining games on their schedule.

As of right now though, the Panthers have to worry about one game at a time. Even still, to wins against the Saints could be big if only for pride’s sake.