The New Orleans Saints will wrap up the regular season this afternoon when they face the Carolina Panthers in the BenzDome. The Saints defense, a much-maligned unit in 2011, will have a tall task in stopping an explosive Panthers offense that averages 25.9 points per game.
Pass Defense
The Saints have been one of the worst pass defenses in the league in 2011, giving up an average of 268 yards per game (30th in the NFL). That statistic, however, is a little misleading; often times, opposing teams are forced to pass almost exclusively if they are behind early. Given the successes of the Saints offense this year, that possibility becomes more and more apparent as the game rolls along.
The Panthers have enjoyed an offensive renaissance with rookie QB Cam Newton, and that has been reflected statistically. Carolina averages 246.1 yards per game through the air (11th in the NFL), and much of that success can be contributed to WR Steve Smith. Smith has re-established himself as a big play, deep threat receiver, amassing over 1300 yards this season. His speed has destroyed the Saints secondary in the past, and he will look to have a huge impact in the outcome of this contest.
Stopping Smith will be the most important issue that the Saints will need to handle. His speed and big-play ability can change the game. New Orleans will look to double team Smith, making Newton go to his 2nd and 3rd options.
Run Defense
New Orleans has actually had a very good year in stopping the run, as they only allow an average of 104.9 yards per game (10th in the NFL). Much like the passing yardage statistic, the Saints run defense numbers have to be taken with a grain of salt. Teams are abandoning the run if they fall behind early in the game. Sure, rushing yardage against the Saints is down, but rushing attempts are down as well.
The Panthers rushing attack features two strong backs in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, as well as a mobile threat in QB Cam Newton. That three-headed monster has lead Carolina to possess the 3rd best rushing attack in the league, averaging 149.6 yards per game. Newton has been the true difference maker in the running game, as his speed and size give the Panthers a distinct advantage in the red-zone.
Keeping Williams and Stewart bottled up will help the Saints not only control the line of scrimmage from a defensive standpoint, but will assist in stopping the pass as well. Much of the Panthers offensive success stems from the running game. Keeping the Panthers running backs under a 4 yard per carry average will be huge if the Saints want to win the game.
Matchup to Watch
Panthers QB Cam Newton vs. Saints linebackers. Newton will need to be neutralized as a running threat if the Saints want to win this one. The Carolina rookie quarterback is particularly lethal in the red-zone as a runner. New Orleans linebackers will have a tough task in tracking Newton. Look for Gregg Williams to have a linebacker or safety stay back and spy on Newton to keep his running to a minimum.
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