SAINTS (0-2) AT PANTHERS (2-0)
SUNDAY, 1 P.M. ET, BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM, CHARLOTTE uTV: FOX, DIRECTV 713
Announcers: Kenny Albert, Ronde Barber, Kristina Pink
About the Saints: Not much has gone right for New Orleans, which finds itself 0-2 for the fourth consecutive season under coach
after being routed at home by the Patriots. Through two games, the Saints defense is yielding points (65) and yards (1,025) at an alarming rate, much like it has the past three seasons. But it’s Payton’s usually prolific offense that has struggled mightily under QB (19.5 ppg), especially in the running game (70.5 ypg), where free agent RB and heralded rookie nonfactors. Former Panthers WR also has been ineffective.
Carolina is undefeated even as QB has been relatively ineffective while working back his surgically repaired right shoulder. Newton now will have to rediscover his groove without perennial Pro Bowl TE who will be sidelined for an extended period of time after fracturing a bone in his right foot in the Panthers’ 9-3 win against Buffalo. The Panthers defense has been dominant under firstyear coordinator yielding only two field goals and a scant 196.5 total yards per game against the offensive challenged Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers. Veteran K
has stepped up and filled the scoring void, converting all six field goal attempts and scoring 20 of the Panthers’ 31 points. have been
Klein makes his first appearance against his former team after signing as a free agent in New Orleans and draws the challenging assignment of facing Carolina’s versatile top pick who plays multiple positions in offensive coordinator offense.
The eight-year veteran is regarded as a better run blocker than receiver. In three-plus seasons in Carolina, Dickson (6-4, 255) has 29 catches for 396 yards and four touchdowns. QBs
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
and have completed 57 of 71 passes with six touchdowns and zero interceptions in wins against New Orleans.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Dead zone: After two games, the Panthers are 1 of 6 inside the opponents’ 20-yard line, including 0-for-3 against Buffalo. In a 23-3 win over the 49ers in Week 1, RB
caught a 9-yard scoring pass from Newton. Conversely, opponents are 6 of 13 against the Saints.
2. Create havoc: Minimal quarterback pressure (three sacks on 71 pass plays) and zero takeaways have plagued the Saints defense through two games. Unless defensive coordinator can dial up consistent heat on Newton, who was sacked six times and exited the Buffalo game with a tweaked ankle, the Panthers may rediscover their offense at the Saints’ expense.
3. No offense: Falling behind early by double digits has forced the Saints into catchup mode and all but negated any threat of a running game with Peterson, Ingram and Kamara. That trend may be difficult to turn around against MLB and a stellar front seven on defense, which is yielding 60 rushing yards per game.
4. Passing fancy: If Dickson can’t provide a safety net in the passing game, then look for Newton to target WRs
and downfield and also get the ball in a variety of ways to McCaffrey, who has accounted for 129 yards from scrimmage on 30 touches.
Brian Allee-Walsh