We were able to squeak past our division opponents last month by a score of 16-14. Fast fwd to November and the Saints are 5-3 and Carolina is 1-6. We're 3rd in the NFC South and Carolina is last. A win here would be a good thing. I think we go to their place and win handily. Hopefully our offense will have their coming out party.
Word on this end is that Carolina is preparing for a strike, not the playoffs, and they are playing like it. They have not given CJF a contract extension for numerous reasons, most of which probably has to do with the owner hunkering down ready for a strike and keeping business expenses as low as possible. The owner is the leader of the committee on labor negotiations, so this is not without merit. He has dumped as many big contract players as able, and has not gone out and signed anybody big. They are basically staying skeleton in their commitments. So, the Saints should have a huge edge in mentality that they are a playoff team/superbowl contender, whereas Carolina is awaiting life after labor negotiations. Having said all of that, typically we split with Carolina. Hopefully, we come out and take care of business methodically and change that tendency!
Carolina always seems to play us tough. Probably a division opponent thing. Interesting read above by paradise. I hope this gets resolved before we see a strike.
Carolina is averaging about 10 points/game and give up 100+ rushing yards/game. We don't need to play around in this game. Design the first two drives to take an early lead and then just beat them down. Unfortunately we'll probably be stuck with Betts running the ball. If he fumbles even once...give him a bus ticket home! I hope Ivory is okay and Jones can have an impact. We have a bye but it would be nice to start resting players in the second half of this game. We need to get healthy and don't need a 60 minute (or more) slugfest with these guys. Carolina always plays us well and we don't need to allow them to hang around. Jump on them early and put them away quickly.
Who's got reliable info on players that may be returning from injuries? The secondary is crazy. Last week there were no NFL caliber players healthy at cornerback except safeties filling in at the corners. Will Greer or Porter be back?
I would imagine they'll attempt to rest key personnel unless they're 100% healthy or they have no choice but to play them. We need the offense to control the clock and not settle for FGs this week. I really don't want to see our defense on the field. They've played well but need a break.
Jabari Greer pick-6 to put us up 27-3. Night-night Kitty Cats! Our first sweep of Carolina in nearly a decade is 15 minutes away.
Defense has been playing lights out the last few weeks, even with all of the injuries. Now, we're pretty much back to full speed and the backups got some much needed reps that will bode well for us later in the season. Just hope Sharper's hammy is just tweaked and he's ok after the bye.
