4 key Panthers matchups to watch vs. the Saints in Week 17
By Dean Jones
Rasul Douglas vs. Marquez Callaway
Marquez Callaway is another Saints player that could be set for a larger role in Week 17. Michael Thomas is on IR after a season littered with injury problems and Emmanuel Sanders hasn’t shown much in the way of production after making the switch to New Orleans during free agency.
Callaway saw plenty of work during their first game against the Carolina Panthers, bringing in eight of 10 targets for 75 receiving yards. A similar sort of ratio is not out of the realm of possibility with so many key offensive weapons missing and with Donte Jackson back in the lineup to cover the speedy Sanders, the task of covering the wideout will fall on Rasul Douglas.
The free-agent signing finds himself in a precarious situation heading into the final game of the 2020 season. Douglas looked all set for a longer-term commitment from the Panthers after an outstanding start to the campaign. But things haven’t gone according to plan since and there is increased skepticism as to whether he’ll get the extension he’s looking for when competitive action concludes.
A strong outing against the Saints could make all the difference. However, keeping someone with Callaway’s talents quiet is easier said than done if he generates some early momentum.