Carolina Panthers ball control, other keys to win vs. New Orleans Saints
Big Play Alert
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If successfully executing the first two keys, this final step should put Carolina over the top. If the Panthers offense controls the clock and ends drives with points instead of punts and the defense is generating consistent pressure, only one thing can beat them – big plays.
The Panthers can’t hold Brees and company scoreless for much of the game, take an offensive possession for points and then allow a big kick return to give New Orleans any momentum, but special teams isn’t the only area of concern.
The same can be said of the defense as well. After controlling the football and eating time off the clock, the Panthers cannot allow a 50-plus yard pass play or big Kamara run to give the Saints any life – especially if it results in a touchdown. For the Panthers to win, they must control the momentum and keep Brees and the Saints offense off balance throughout the game.
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The Panthers and Saints kick off on Monday, December 17 at 8:15pm ET.