Carolina Panthers: Three ways to beat the New Orleans Saints
By Luke Tucker
Keep Kyle Allen upright
Perhaps the Panthers’ biggest weakness, aside from maybe quarterback, in 2019 has been the offensive line. The Panthers have been unable to give the quarterbacks solid protection, and it has led not only to the Cam Newton injury, but also to some terrible decision-making by Kyle Allen. Through the first 10 games, Carolina’s offensive line has given up sacks on more than 8% of dropbacks–one of the worst rates in the league. If the Panthers want to have a chance to win on Sunday, they’re going to have to keep Allen on his feet.
As mentioned earlier, one of the easiest ways to help Allen out is to get the ball to McCaffrey through the air. However, that alone won’t be enough. Take last week for example, where CMC caught for 121 yards, yet Allen was still taken down five times. With that in mind, there’s no way around the fact that the Panthers offensive line has been terrible, and hasn’t done anything to help a scuffling young quarterback who has become a turnover machine.
Perhaps the best way to keep Allen on his feet on Sunday is to emulate Brees’ style–get the ball out quick. Carolina has several players who can pick up extra yards after the catch, so it’s a strategy that could work. Blocking the likes of Cam Jordan is no easy task, but against a middling Saints pass rush, the Panthers offensive line has to be better this weekend. Without doing so, Carolina stands no chance this weekend in the Superdome.