The Carolina Panthers have struggled to contain wide receiver Chris Olave in previous meetings with the New Orleans Saints. However, they may have a new strategy this time.
Since Todd Wash took over the defense, the Panthers have become much more aggressive in their secondary. And with cornerback Will Lee III returning from injury, they could finally have a good strategy to counter one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFC South.
Olave has been an issue for Carolina in past meetings. He recorded 104 receiving yards and a touchdown in their initial meeting last season. He then followed that up with 85 yards and a score in the second encounter.
Carolina Panthers must make life uncomfortable for Chris Olave in Week 10
But he has been in fine form this season. Entering Week 10, Olave has racked up 56 receptions for 734 yards and two touchdowns.
The Panthers have to counter this threat to end their three-game skid. They know how dangerous Olave can be, but they have the chance to make his life much harder.
One of the main changes to the Panthers’ defense is their willingness to blitz.
Under previous defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, they often played softer coverages, leaving underneath space for receivers. Wash has made them much more aggressive, with plenty of press-man coverage.
Olave is a fantastic route runner and can flourish when he can get into his routes easily. This gives him a lot of freedom to attack the middle of the field. The Panthers could make him work harder by playing a physical game.
The main factor going into this crunch divisional clash will be how many corners the Panthers have available.
Will Lee III could be Carolina Panthers' difference-maker against Chris Olave
Mike Jackson Sr. is unlikely to feature after being listed as doubtful, but Lee could be a key factor. The fourth-round rookie has been out with a hamstring injury, but he is confident the defensive shift can help him use his skill set more effectively.
"I get to press a little bit more," Lee said. "That's a strong suit I feel like they've given me, and it's great to have that little change in here."
However, there are risks of playing press. Olave is a very talented receiver and could easily beat any physical coverage. A corner could also get beaten by him on a deep route if they are too aggressive.
The biggest test will be whether Wash can find the right balance between physical coverage and protecting against explosive plays.
Because if Lee is healthy enough to contribute, Carolina could finally have the personnel to challenge Olave instead of allowing him to dictate the matchup.
Add us as a preferred source on Google