3 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers in Week 7 at the Saints

The defense will slow down Alvin Kamara.

As Carolina Panthers fans know by now, Saints running back Alvin Kamara is a dual-threat talent that can hurt teams as a runner or a pass catcher. While his rushing numbers are unremarkable, the player has risen to the occasion as a receiver in the absence of All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas, who has already been ruled out for Sunday and hasn’t been seen since Week 1.

Carolina has sustained their fair share of injuries on defense. But finding a way to slow down Kamara has to be the priority.

Kamara is definitely aware that run defense is a weakness for the Panthers. In his press conference this week with the Saints, the Pro Bowler is keen to take advantage of this “opportunity” to further boost his outstanding numbers this season.

"“With where they’re ranked at, we know we’ve got an opportunity, we still got to take advantage of that opportunity, we’ve still got to make the right reads. Sean (Payton) knows he’s got to call the right plays at the right time. It’s a team effort.”"

The good news is the Panthers have played very well against the run as of late. The young defense has held leading running backs to 71.3 rushing yards per game in the month of October. With  Thomas again unable to take his place in the lineup thanks to ankle and hamstring issues, eliminating Kamara’s influence will go a long way in improving Carolina’s chances of winning.