Battle of the backups
The New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers have both been hit by the injury bug hard this year and it’s shown no better than when looking toward the secondary.
The Panthers are down multiple corners and have none of the players that started Week 1 available, while New Orleans has been using a patchwork receiver core all season.
Myles Hartsfield, rookie Keith Taylor Jr., and midseason acquisition CJ Henderson look to be the starting group on Sunday barring some incredible recovery from Stephon Gilmore. While each has shown flashes of their potential, they are all vulnerable and especially to speed.
Henderson will likely get the nod as the No. 1 corner. Taylor Jr. will probably be the one starting alongside him with Hartsfield in the slot.
Going against this group is a collection of receivers that have had only one member go over 600 yards this season and aside from a few splash plays have been largely reliable but not particularly dangerous.
Marquez Callaway is a player that thrives on early cuts to gain separation, something Henderson has struggled with this season. Making this a matchup to keep a very close eye on all game, so that the Panthers can see just how much progress the young corner has made following his trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
That said, this is going to be a test for both sides of this matchup. A prove-it game that could decide their future long-term.
So while the pieces may not have household names, the fireworks are going to be there for all to see and it will be entertaining if nothing else.