Panther Riding Momentum into NFC South Showdown
by Sharon Thorsland
Fresh off their huge win over the Packers at Lambeau, the Panthers return home Sunday for a division showdown with the Saints. While the Panthers are trending up, the Saints are muddling through a brutal season with just one win on the year. But this is a rivalry game, so no one’s taking them lightly. “Anytime you get a division opponent, it doesn’t matter what’s going on,” said Panthers offensive lineman Austin Corbett. “You’re going to get their best look; you’re going to get their best shot. And that’s what we have to do. Especially at home, we’ve got to show up and get it done.”
To get it done, the Panthers have to slow down a Saints offense that has had all sorts of issues under new head coach Kellen Moore. Starting quarterback Spencer Rattler was benched after week eight, replaced by rookie Tyler Shough. He threw for 176 yards with one touchdown and one interception last week. Shough lost his biggest deep threat when the Saints traded Rahim Shaheed to the Seahawks earlier this week. But leading receiver Chris Olave is still around, so is speedy veteran Brandin Cooks. And of course, they still have All-Pro running back Alvin Kamara and do-it-all threat Taysom Hill.
The Panthers are hoping to keep their run game rolling against a Saints defense that has been mediocre this season but boasts plenty of veteran talent. Pro Bowler Cam Jordan anchors a veteran defensive line that also features former defensive player of the year Chase Young. Pro bowl middle linebacker Demario Davis leads the team in tackles and at 36 years old is still one of the best in the game. Star safety Tyrann Mathieu retired but former Chief Justin Reid took over his starting spot. And the Saints have a talented young cornerback in second year player Kool-aid McKinstry, who leads the team with two interceptions (and has the best nickname on the team). “It’s a really good group,” said Panther quarterback Bryce Young. “They play really hard, they play really well together. So, we understand the challenge.”
Young and the Panthers are looking to keep the momentum going from their win over the Packers. And the deeper they get into the season, the more these games count, especially since they’re officially in the playoff hunt. This is a game against a division rival, at home, and they need to get the job done. “It’s November time, it’s winning time,” said defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson. “That’s when you make your move, get ready for December – and that’s playoff time. So, we approach it like every game’s a playoff game from this moment on. So, we’ve got to come with our best.”
