Carolina Panthers Week 12 preview at New Orleans Saints
Carolina Panthers Week 12 preview at the New Orleans Saints.
The Carolina Panthers are at a pivotal point on the schedule and in franchise history. After suffering an embarrassing home loss to the Atlanta Falcons, who had previously won just two games, enough divisional games remain to salvage this season and it begins with a visit to the site of quarterback Kyle Allen‘s first career win – New Orleans.
Saints fans endured a similar defeat two weeks ago, losing to Atlanta by 17, but rebounded with another impressive showing against at Tampa Bay last week. Carolina faces their rivals for the first time this season and having three divisional games left – New Orleans twice and a re-match with the Falcons – wins are imperative.
Owner David Tepper inherited the current regime and after finishing 7-9 last year decided to retain coach Ron Rivera, much of his staff and general manager Marty Hurney. Currently sitting at an even 5-5, finishing 2019 with a better record is going to take some work.
2019 SEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (5-5) at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (8-2)
KICKOFF: Sunday, November 24 at 1:00 PM ET
TV: CBS (Broadcast Coverage Map)
ONLINE: FuboTV Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!
LOCATION: Mercedes-Benz Superdome (New Orleans, LA)
WEATHER: Indoor
LAST MEETING: 33-14, PANTHERS – December 30, 2017 (WEEK 17)
WHAT TO WATCH:
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If the Panthers hope to hand New Orleans a second consecutive home loss, it starts with the defense. Last week they were on the field too often and didn’t get much help from their offensive counterparts. While the two have to work hand-in-hand in order to be successful, a big game from the defense could tip the scales toward Carolina.
Atlanta sacked Saints quarterback Drew Brees six times in their earlier contest. He was held without a passing touchdown and the rushing attack, including Alvin Kamara and others, was held to just 52 yards on 11 total carries.
The Falcons also scored on three of their first four possessions and while it didn’t necessarily put the game out of reach, the confidence built earning a 13-6 halftime lead carried over into the second half. If the Panthers can replicate a similar performance and force the Saints to play from behind with Brees under pressure, a Carolina victory is possible.
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Of course, the opposite is also true. If the Panthers struggle early then New Orleans high powered offense could make it a long afternoon in the Big Easy, raising even more concern about the future.