New Orleans Saints: 3 Key players to beating Panthers in Wild Card Round

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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 31: Free safety Marcus Williams (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

1. Marcus Williams

Rounding out the three impact players for the Saints has to be Marcus Williams. A lot of eyes are on Marshon Lattimore and rightfully so. Even with Lattimore out there, Williams is going to be the biggest reason why the Saints win defensively. Drafted in the second round, Williams has been as dynamic as Lattimore and arguably made even more plays.

Williams likely won’t be receiving the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. That’s okay because he’ll the reason why the Saints move onto the next round. Against the Panthers, Williams has been productive with two tackles and one interception in their first meeting. In their second meeting, Williams didn’t play so it’s hard to say.

Either way, Williams has been incredibly helpful with generating takeaways and racking up tackles. Playing against the Panthers for the second time, Williams will get a chance to show why he’s such a huge part of the defense and make Newton nervous.

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Williams has been top notch against the other NFC South quarterbacks especially last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This week, he will truly prove why he should be in the NFL’s Rookie of the Year conversation. Williams’ play will help seal the Saints fate, no doubt about it.

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