Saints Face Panthers in NFC South Showdown
The New Orleans Saints are preparing to face off against the Carolina Panthers in an NFC South division game. This marks the second time these teams have met this season. The Saints enter the game with a 1-8 record, while the Panthers hold a 5-4 record.
Historically, the Saints and Panthers have a long-standing rivalry, having been division opponents since 1995. This game will be the 62nd meeting between the two teams. Currently, the Saints lead the all-time series with 32 wins to the Panthers’ 29. However, when playing in Carolina, the series is evenly split at 15 wins each. The Panthers have had the upper hand recently at home, winning three of the last four games against the Saints.
For the Saints, turning their season around will require key players to step up and perform at their best. Several players who were expected to be significant contributors have not yet reached their full potential.
Players to Watch
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Carl Granderson: Granderson leads the Saints with 4.5 sacks and 14 quarterback pressures. However, his impact has diminished in recent games. Over the past five games, he has not recorded any sacks and has only one quarterback knockdown. To help the Saints’ defense, Granderson needs to regain his earlier form and pressure the Panthers’ quarterback, Bryce Young.
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Justin Reid: Reid was a major addition to the Saints’ secondary during the offseason. While he ranks third on the team with 47 tackles, his overall impact has been limited. He has recorded a half sack, one tackle for loss, and three passes defended. A concern is the number of missed tackles and the high completion percentage allowed when he is in coverage. The Saints need Reid to perform at the level he has shown in the past to strengthen their defense.
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Devaughn Vele: Vele, acquired in a trade with the Denver Broncos, was expected to become a reliable target for the Saints’ quarterbacks. However, he has had limited opportunities, playing in less than 30% of the team’s offensive snaps. With Rashid Shaheed traded to the Seattle Seahawks, Vele may see increased playing time. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough needs reliable receivers, and this could be Vele’s chance to show his value.
The Saints will need strong performances from these players, along with contributions from others, to secure a victory against the Carolina Panthers.
