4 keys to victory for the Panthers at the Saints in Week 7
By Dean Jones
Generate interior pressure
The New Orleans Saints might have two outstanding protectors on the edge. But there are some weak spots on their interior which the Carolina Panthers might be able to take advantage of.
One only has to look at how the Minnesota Vikings exposed this area of the field during their shock overtime playoff win in New Orleans that sent shockwaves through the NFL. Head coach Mike Zimmer pulled off a masterstroke by moving Pro Bowl defensive end duo Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen to the tackle spots, which wreaked havoc on the Saints and got Drew Brees completely out of his comfort zone.
Brees likes to step up in the pocket when facing pressure from the edge. This is something he has made a living out of during a standout career. But if the Panthers can negate this by steaming up the middle then it is going to do their chances of victory the world of good.
Although there will be no Kawann Short, the likes of Derrick Brown and Zach Kerr have shown some capability of getting in the backfield consistently this season. Carolina also has the potential to put Efe Obada into this slot in obvious passing situations, which is something else that can make Brees think twice about moving up to avoid the considerable threat posed by Brian Burns.