New Orleans Saints: 3 Takeaways from Wild Card Round win over Panthers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 07: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints reacts during the first half of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 07: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints reacts during the first half of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 07: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints reacts during the first half of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 07: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints reacts during the first half of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

We take a look at three takeaways from the New Orleans Saints Wild Card Round win over the Carolina Panthers.

The New Orleans Saints are dangerous. That much was made clear on Sunday as they defeated the Carolina Panthers by a 31-26 score. They beat the Panthers in a variety of ways. Although the running game was not there, that was no problem. Drew Brees and the wide receivers shredded a Panther defense that is known for being one of the tougher group in the NFL.

Now, the Saints are set to take on a Minnesota Vikings team that, led by Case Keenum has enough weapons of their own. With a loaded backfield, a solid group of wide receivers, and a stout defense that is known for being one of the toughest in the NFL, the Saints will certainly have their hands full.

They will be up to the challenge as beating the Panthers Sunday was a challenge in itself. The New Orleans’ defense was able to keep Cam Newton and company at bay, controlling the tempo for most of the game.

With that in mind, we take a look at three takeaways from the Saints Wild Card Round win over the Panthers and what they will need to do to perform even better against the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday.