The New Orleans Saints are coming off their best win of the season, winning a dog fight against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now the Saints will be set for an NFC South rematch with the Carolina Panthers, who they beat 17-7 in Carolina earlier this season. The black and gold matched up well with the Panthers in Week 10, and should again as long as they take advantage of these key matchups.
Saints’ run game vs. Panthers’ defense
The Saints have reached 100 yards rushing just twice in their last nine games, with their 139-yard day on the ground against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week being their second-best rushing day this season. While rookie running back Devin Neal led the team in rushing yards, ending the day with 70, it was rookie quarterback Tyler Shough’s 55 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground that highlighted the Saints’ run attack.
The black and gold will have a favorable matchup in Week 15 against the Panthers, who allowed 152, 147, and 125 yards rushing in their last three games. With Devin Neal set to lead the Saints’ rushing attack again due to Alvin Kamara’s injury and Shough’s breakout performance on the ground, New Orleans could take advantage of a weak run defense and control the ground.
Saints secondary vs. QB Bryce Young
The Saints have had Panthers quarterback Bryce Young’s number since he entered the league, with the third-year signal caller having a career record 1-4 against the black and gold. In five matchups, Young has thrown 4 interceptions to just 2 touchdown passes while being sacked 15 times.
New Orleans won the turnover battle in its first matchup with Carolina this season and, of course, intercepted Young. Forcing takeaways and making the Panthers quarterback make mistakes has been the key to the Saints’ success over the Panthers, and it will remain a priority heading into their Week 15 matchup.
QB Tyler Shough vs. Panthers pass rush
Shough put on a show in his start against the Panthers in Week 10, showing his development in the pocket. The rookie quarterback was making defenders miss and extending plays with his legs while keeping his eyes downfield. While an impressive day against Carolina, Shough’s pocket presence then was just a glimpse of what he has done since taking over at quarterback.
Shough has now shown the ability to make plays with his arm and his legs while avoiding pressure in the pocket, and will have the chance to display it again against one of the league’s worst pass-rushing defenses. The Panthers rank 31st in the NFL in sacks and 30th in sack%. When, or maybe even if, the Panthers pressure the second-round quarterback, he will have the opportunity to show his improvisation skills and extend plays.