In any case, the total is low at 37.5 and I think it’s a sharp number.īryce Young has yet to have that memorable game that makes fans say, “okay, maybe this kid can thrive in this league.” Quite the opposite. Of course, the Panthers’ defense isn’t exactly world class, either, but familiar divisional enemies tend to bring out the best in both defenses. Whether it’s red-zone inefficiency, flops on third down, or just their lack of explosiveness (20th in points per play), the Saints don’t warrant much confidence offensively. We are 13 weeks into the season and I’m still doubting if the Saints have the chemistry to become a better offense. Playable at that number.ĭownload the Pickswise app to get our picks and best bets for every game, every day. Panthers +5.5 available at time of publishing. In a rematch divisional game, this is too many points to trust a hyper-flawed Saints team. The Panthers can also run the ball effectively against subpar run defenses, which the Saints are (4.5 yards per carry allowed, 27th). Carolina’s defense is far from putrid it ranks in the top 10 in opponent yards per game (309, 7th) and opponent third-down conversion rate (35.53%, 6th). At 5-7 they still profile as a better all-around team than Carolina, but not by much. Falling behind 21-0 to the Lions was a deficit they couldn’t recover from last Sunday.

It’s been more of the same from the Saints - they just find ways to lose. For Panthers fans, that’s unfortunate because they are facing a good defense in New Orleans in Week 14 - one that held them to just 239 yards and 17 points in Week 2.īelieve it or not, that’s part of the reason why I like the Panthers this weekend. Typically an offense that has been held back by bad coaching explodes after an HC gets fired, but we didn’t see much evidence of that last Sunday. The score was close all game, but Tampa Bay held the lead for all 4 quarters.īryce Young and the Carolina passing offense continued to struggle in Week 13, accruing just 178 yards through the air, no TDs and 1 INT. Carolina controlled the clock (34-minute to 26-minute advantage in time of possession) and ran the ball effectively, too, earning 133 rushing yards Sunday. Their defense really played hard, holding Tampa Bay to just 322 yards and 6-for-15 on third-down conversions.

One week removed from Frank Reich’s and other staff’s firings, the Panthers gave it their all in Week 13 against a better Bucs squad. Even after another loss, you have to admire the way the Panthers fire.

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