Carolina Panthers: A week of upsets works in Carolina’s favor

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 03: Kyle Allen #7 of the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 03, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 03: Kyle Allen #7 of the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 03, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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The Falcons’ win prompts a shot at an NFC South title.

“Overconfidence” might be the right word to describe the Saints’ loss. A one-and-seven team going on the road to face a seven-and-one team? What should have been a slam dunk one way turned out to be a slam dunk the other way after the Saints were held to only nine points. The Falcons’ defense put Brees’ face in the dirt more times than he’s used to, Alvin Kamara and Michel Thomas were held to zero touchdowns, and Julio Jones made the Saints’ defensive backs look like toddlers.

It was a big win for the Falcons, but an even bigger win for the rest of the league. The Saints have been exposed and there is fresh tape on their critical flaws as they head down a rough stretch.

The rest of the Saints’ schedule includes visits from the 49ers and the Colts, a trip to Music City, and four NFC South matchups. All of this starts with an away game against a Tampa Bay team that will be looking for revenge after week five. Shaquil Barrett and Ndamukong Suh know they can be difference makers in Tampa, just like Adrian Claiborne and Grady Jarrett were in New Orleans.

A Saints’ loss in Tampa along with a Panthers’ win at home the following week will put the Panthers at the top of the division. If the Panthers lose they’ll still have a chance to make their case for the crown with a trip to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, a place where Kyle Allen is undefeated as a starter.