Panthers VS Saints Matchups - Could The Panthers Run Game Still Stagger?

[Saca312]

The Carolina Panthers may have started 2-0, but that doesn’t mean the games were pretty. After all, one look at week 2’s score (9-3) shows just how anemic this Panthers offense is so far.

Against the Bills, the Panthers were unable to get much going on the ground. Their red-zone efficiency was terrible, not even notching a single touchdown. To add insult to injury, Shula continued on with his predictable play-calling, exposing an obvious trend in the run game.

Granted, not everything was on Shula. With Matt Kalil doing his best Byron Bell impression alongside Daryl Williams’ looking like Remmers, Cam Newton found himself smothered on the ground six times.

It’s hard for an offense to function when its pieces can’t execute.

Even so, the Panthers offense has a lot of work to do if they want to evolve. Predictable play-calling and poor execution is not going to cut it if the Panthers want to sniff the playoffs.

Luckily, the Panthers get to face the NFL’s worst defense in the New Orleans Saints. The Saints gave up a whopping 1025 total yards on defense – 512.5 per game – while ranking in the bottom 15 in every other statistical category. Football Outsiders ranks the Saints 31st in defensive DVOA through week 2; only ahead of the Patriots.

To make matters worse, the Saints will be without starting corners Lattimore (their only bright spot) and Sterline Moore. The Saints have to go with even worse corners than the ones contributing to the worst pass defense in the NFL.

Not ideal for the worst defense in the NFL already. Very ideal for a Panthers offense in need of a spark.

So, on that note, what should everyone be looking out for this Sunday? Well, click the link below to find out!

http://www.carolinahuddle.com/2017/09/23/carolina-panthers-vs-new-orleans-saints-matchups/

[Saca312]

Sure, my score prediction may be “optimistic” to some, but it truly wouldn’t surprise me if we hold that Saints team without a TD and continue such streak.

[Saca312]

According to FO defensive efficiency, Saints are 17th in the NFL against the run. To put that in perspective, SF is ranked 18th against the run (prior to week 3) and Bills 7th.

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamdef

I wouldn't take the Saints run defense for granted. 

[Daeavorn]

so that means that CMC may have another mediocre game? i hope he can overcome that.

[Saca312]

11 minutes ago, Daeavorn said:

so that means that CMC may have another mediocre game? i hope he can overcome that.

Rushing. Maybe.

Receiving? He may get 100+ yards against these linebackers. They have no athleticism. 

[steven8989]

I don't really see how all of y'all want to keep blaming oline on all those sacks. I would say at least 4 was Cam's fault. U cannot hold onto the ball over 4 seconds in the NFL, much less over 3. Cam is the one struggling the most hate to say it but it's all on tape.

[saX man]

We better stagger our offense down their freaking taints and DESTROYYYYYYYY

[LinvilleGorge]

If the OL doesn't start playing much better very soon, we gotta get Moton out here. Kalil/Williams last week looked like the Bell/Chandler horror show of old.

[lightsout]

2 hours ago, steven8989 said:

I don't really see how all of y'all want to keep blaming oline on all those sacks. I would say at least 4 was Cam's fault. U cannot hold onto the ball over 4 seconds in the NFL, much less over 3. Cam is the one struggling the most hate to say it but it's all on tape.

Except this isn't Madden and every "elite" QB gets more than 3 seconds regularly.

[Pantha-kun]

If McCaffrey and Stew are getting stuffed at the line like they were against the Bills, we have a serious run blocking problem. I was getting depressed watching Todd Gurley run for huge gains on Thursday Night and look at the holes opening before he even got to the los

[LinvilleGorge]

I think CMC is actually a perfect weapon to exploit this Saints' D.

Honestly, I think CMC could have a breakout performance tomorrow.

[Saca312]

3 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

I think CMC is actually a perfect weapon to exploit this Saints' D.

Honestly, I think CMC could have a breakout performance tomorrow.

I wouldn't be surprised to see him breakout, but not at rushing.

If he breaks out as a rusher, I'd certainly be surprised. But I see him dominating if used as a receiver against those linebackers.

I do expect him to dominate as a rusher against the Patriots though.

[Saca312]

22 hours ago, Saca312 said:

Rushing. Maybe.

Receiving? He may get 100+ yards against these linebackers. They have no athleticism. 

I was right on this prediction at least.