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Carolina Panthers ball control, other keys to win vs. New Orleans Saints

By Brandon Scott

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 24: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts against the New Orleans Saints during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 24: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts against the New Orleans Saints during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Carolina Panthers v New Orleans Saints
NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 07: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints is sacked by Carolina Panthers defenders during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 7, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Pressure

Brees operates best when in the pocket and allowed to pick apart opposing defenses. When protected, he can dissect any defense but the Panthers may have a slight advantage over their divisional rival.

Coach Ron Rivera took over the defensive play calls for Carolina at some point in the second half two weeks ago. This gives Brees and the New Orleans coaches, just over one game to see how the unit operates under his leadership, providing little history or tendencies on which to key.

The Saints offensive line allows only one sack per game on average and for Carolina to be successful they need to pressure Brees. If the Panthers can generate pressure up front it allows the back end to focus on coverage and shouldn’t open any glaring holes with a secondary blitz.

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