Carolina Panthers: How They Can Defeat The New Orleans Saints

The Carolina Panthers are riding a two-game winning streak to kick off their 2015 NFL campaign. Coming into Week 3 they are set to begin divisional play as they welcome in the 0-2 New Orleans Saints. Even though the Louisiana team is off to a tough start one thing is for sure; the NFC South is a wild division in which even the subpar records can bequeath playoff berths. With that in mind, this is a look at what the Panthers must do if they are to find themselves 3-0 come Monday.

Also on Spin Zone: Carolina Panthers: Grades After Week 2 Win

According to the ESPN Pick Center the Panthers are a -175 favorite coming into this game, but as with any other NFL game; anything can happen once both teams step on the field.

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First things first, both the Panthers and Saints have injury questions that are going to determine just how strong their units are on Sunday. The Saints are in the very precarious position of their leader, Drew Brees, being out due to a shoulder injury. Sean Wagner-McGough of CBS Sports reported that even through Brees has this injury he is “pretty confident” that he will be able to play against Carolina. Still, the potential of not having their star quarterback immediately puts the New Orleans squad in a bad spot.

Carolina isn’t without injury woes. According to Fox Sports Luke Kuechly is listed as day-to-day as he attempts to recover from a concussion suffered during Week 1. The defense performed well without their leader during Week 2, but his presence immediately causes havoc for any offense in his way. If he can clear protocols and get back to the field Sunday that will be a huge boost in this vital division game.

The big question is whether or not the Panthers can take advantage of the Saints weak defense. Two games into the year New Orleans has given up an average of 28.5 points (31 points to the Arizona Cardinals and 26 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers). Even with their current problems, Carolina’s offense is akin to the strength of both of those teams. However, their frequent problem is turning long drives into touchdowns rather than settling for field goals.

Sep 20, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr (19) leaps to catch a pass as he is defended by Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) during the first half of the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Expect Carolina to lean on their rushing attack through most of this game. Against the Houston Texans Cam Newton led the way as a two-attack quarterback. Doing so opened up the passing game, especially later on in the second half of the matchup. Carolina also has controlled the clock for more than half of the first two games of the year through their tailbacks. Keeping the momentum up in both of these areas will help push this team one more step towards a victory on Sunday.

Still, Newton’s decision making and turnovers need to be much better in this game. Coming into Week 3 he has thrown at least one interception an outing. The Saints secondary have done a great job defending passes and knocking them out of the air. Newton cannot make a bad decision that puts the ball into play for the defense. He seems to make this mistake a few times a game and so far opposing defenses have made him pay.

Carolina is working towards winning the NFC South for the third year in a row. They must take advantage of opening up divisional play against a “weakened” New Orleans Saints. Looking at both units the Panthers seem to be in a better position to win the game, but when the action unfolds on the field anything can occur within those 60 minutes.

Next: Carolina Panthers Need Success By Running Back Committee

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