The New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers face off for the second time this season. The NFC South features two divisional matchups this week, the first two divisional rematches of the season. New Orleans beat Carolina in their Week 2 showdown and allowed a late touchdown to make the game look closer.
A win is a win, but the Saints need to win convincingly to change the perception of this team. Skating by a 1-11 football team that would have the number one overall pick if they hadn’t traded it away isn’t enough. In order to not just skate by, the Saints need to win these five defining matchups in Week 14:
1
Alontae Taylor vs. Adam Thielen
Taylor has been susceptible in the slot this year. That’s to be expected when you’re adjusting to a position you hadn’t played before. Adam Thielen still shows the ability to flip that switch even at 33 years old. In the slot, his experience becomes a great strength over the young Taylor. Also, Thielen tends to have great efficiency against the Saints throughout his career.
2
Brian Burns vs. Ryan Ramczyk
The Carolina Panthers don’t rush the passer well, but the one guy to watch in that department is Brian Burns. His 6 sacks are the most on the team followed by Frankie Luvu’s 3.5. Ironically, two of Luvu’s sacks came against New Orleans in Week 2. Burns and Ramczyk will face off frequently. He was able to keep Burns in check and without a sack in Week 2.
3
Chris Olave vs. Jaycee Horn
Horn missed the last time these two teams faced off in Week 2 with a hamstring injury. He returned from injured reserve last week and only played 52% of the snaps against the Buccaneers. He’ll likely play more as he continues to ramp up from injury. His snaps against Chris Olave will feature two talented young players going toe to toe. The only other time these two were in the game together, Olave had a career-high 147 yards.
4
Chuba Hubbard vs. Saints front 7=seven
Hubbard has taken over as the main rushing threat for the Panthers and rewarded the team with his first 100 yards rushing game of the season. The Saints must be sure tacklers this week. Missed tackles have lead to explosive runs in the past. With the struggles Bryce Young has had, stopping the run game becomes imperative for the Saints.
5
Alvin Kamara vs. Carolina front seven
On the other side, consistently running the football is equally important. The lion share of the responsibility will likely fall on Kamara. If Taysom Hill is unable to play, New Orleans will lean on Kamara. Though, they should find a way to incorporate other runners, such as Jamaal Williams and maybe Lynn Bowden Jr.
