4 sneaky threats the Panthers must respect vs. Saints in Week 3
By Preston Seyl
Carolina Panthers must be aware of Tyrann Mathieu
The New Orleans Saints decided to upgrade an already elite secondary with the signing of Tyrann Mathieu for the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason. He is a high IQ player and one of the premier safeties in the NFL despite being 30 years old.
Mathieu brings a championship mentality to the Saints’ secondary. He is a game changer on defense with the ability to get in the box in run support and provide exceptional coverage on the backend.
The former LSU standout boasts a 78.7 grade from Pro Football Focus – a very good mark and as Mathieu continues adjusting to a new scheme, he will only get better.
His presence also brings invaluable leadership and communication to the defense. With Marcus Maye also making his presence felt early, the Saints have an outstanding safety tandem.
The addition of Mathieu makes the Saints a force to be reckoned with against the pass. Dennis Allen is a great coach and has already made the veteran fit right into his scheme, which represents another complication for the Carolina Panthers in Week 3.
Ben McAdoo and the rest of the offense must be wary of where Mathieu is on the field at all times. Baker Mayfield must be smart with the ball and not let the safety dictate where he throws by baiting the signal-caller and manipulating plays with supreme awareness.