…I’ll puch up some counterpoints to your analysis, James, if for no other reason than the superstition that we can duplicate the outcome of last week’s game by following exactly what we did last time. ;-)

New Orleans’ rushing attack vs. Carolina run defense - Yes, the Saints may have found themselves a running game. And it’s one of the highest ranked so far this season. I’m not sure how many good run defenses they’ve played, but I get a sense the Panthers could be better than most. It’ll be really interesting to see the defensive game plan for the Panthers. Do they just rush four linemen to keep the LBs and safeties in coverage? Probably. Can our down linemen handle the run game with just the support of the LBs? Probably. I get the feeling New Orleans will have to run to the outside more than between the tackles to be successful, especially if they have to go without their starting center Jonathan Goodwin. But they do have some good slashing RBs that can reach the edges and cause problems. So, I agree with you. Edge: Push (though I might give a slight lean to Carolina)

New Orleans’ passing attack vs. Carolina pass defense - So, the Panthers proved last week their #1 rated pass defense wasn’t a fluke after all? They created the perfect storm of pressure from the four down linemen and tight coverage within the secondary. They also benefited from a QB (in Kurt Warner) who gets rattled when he starts taking hits and gets lots of pressure. I’m not sure Drew Brees will react quite the same way. I also think the Saints actually have more receiving threats than the Cardinals within the different zones of attack…i.e., Arizona had three really good WRs, but I wouldn’t rate their pass-catching TEs and RBs as highly as the Saints’ Jeremy Shockey and Reggie Bush. So, our LBs are going to be faced with a lot more coverage responsibilities in this game. And I’m not sure our DEs and DTs can bring the pressure quickly or consistently enough to blunt the New Orleans passing attack in the short and intermediate passing game. I noticed you gave the edge to Carolina, where I think you meant to say New Orleans (unless you really think Sherrod Martin will duplicate his effort from last week). Regardless, I’ll give the nod to the Saints. Edge: New Orleans

Carolina’s rushing offense vs. New Orleans’ run defense - Here’s where we reap the benefits of a strong running game, both in our O-line and our RBs. The major concern for us is that we’ll be without Brad Hoover and possibly Tony Fiammetta. So who’s the starting FB this week? If it’s a TE, can we draw up some plays that exploits the TE as a better receiving FB than Hoover? How good will they be in max protection to help Jake in the pocket (because you know the Saints will blitz Delhomme)? How much will they be able to take advantage of the absence of Sedrick Ellis in the middle for the Saints? There’s a lot of what-if’s and unknowns, but the running game looks like it’s back on track. Atlanta showed that a commitment to the run against the Saints can work. The Panthers learned the same lesson in applying it against the Cardinals last week. So, for me, I think the Panthers take advantage of the Saints here, but only as long as the Panthers’ passing game keeps them reasonably honest. Edge: Carolina

Carolina’s passing attack vs. New Orleans’ pass defense - No contest here. The Saints have an opportunistic ball-hawking secondary. They added two significant free agents, including Darren Sharper in the off-season. They’ve got a really good defensive coach that Sean Payton is paying $250,000 of his own salary to ensure he stays with the team. Meanwhile, we’ve got a brusied QB (both figuratively and literally). Muhsin Muhammad still might not be ready to go. I don’t foresee Dwayne Jarrett or Kenny Moore stepping up for a stellar performance that will help Steve Smith out of double-coverage. And our TEs may be spread thin with Rosario still out and Jeff King or Gary Barnidge being pressed into service as an emergency FB. So, it’s obvious the Saints will take us apart if we have to rely on the passing game overly much. Edge: New Orleans

Special Teams - Again, this is no contest. The Saints are very good. They have a weapon in Reggie Bush who can really abuse us. Our guys will be lucky if all they give up is good field position to the Saints. The only way we do well on kickoffs is if Rhys Lloyd puts them all out of the endzone. Punts could also be a problem, though the Panthers showed some improvement last week. Still, it might be better for Jason Baker to angle some punts for the sidelines this week, or sacrifice distance for hangtime. Edge: New Orleans (big time)

Coaching - So, Carolina is starting to reap the benefits of Ron Meeks as their new defensive coordinator. But, New Orleans is reaping bigger benefits as a result of Gary Gibbs ability to immediately improve the Saints’ defense. Meanwhile, Sean Payton and company have kept one of the most high-powered offenses clicking on all cylinders. I can’t say the same for Jeff Davidson and John Fox. If you compare coaching of special teams…well, let’s not. It would only be very negative toward the Panther’s Danny Crossman. And, lastly, when you look at head coaches, John Fox may have a winning record against Sean Payton’s Saints, but things have changed considerably this year. He’s facing a much different team. And Fox is just too conservative to take the necessary risks on a game plan that would catch the Saints completely by surprise. We’re predictable. And the coaching decisions of the Saints in the off-season have improved them enough that they can really get after us now. Edge: New Orleans

Lastly, I’ll include one more category this week, since I think it proved important against the Cardinals, and that’s:

Intangibles - The Panthers had a huge revenge factor last week in trying to pay back the Cardinals for last season’s playoff loss. So the question has to be asked if we spent all our “fuel” on that one game and come crashing back to earth (or reality) when we play the Saints. As for New Orleans, they’re on a mission. They tasted the Superbowl a couple of years ago and then came apart at the seams last season. Now, they’re one of two remaining undefeated teams in the league. They’ve proven they’re resilient, finding ways to beat Miami and Atlanta in close games. They’ve handled strong teams in the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles (who they easily smacked around), and the New York Jets. Meanwhile, our players are still trying to figure themselves out, especially on offense and special teams. There’s signs of potential…and potential improvement…among the Panthers, but I don’t think they have as many intangibles going for them this week. Yes, it’s a “must win” game if they want to salvage their season. It’s also a division game, so it takes on a greater importance. We traditionally give each other really tough battles based on past history. But the mojo seems to favor the Saints in every way right now. It’ll take a huge shift (and I’m not sure the Arizona game will be enough) for intangibles to affect things positively for the Panthers. Edge: New Orleans

So, that means I expect New Orleans to win this outing. Probably by a significant margin, though I’m not sure I’d agree with the Panthers being 14-point underdogs. It’ll be a defensive struggle with our good defense putting up a good fight. And our weakened offense struggling to put up a good fight. The tone will be set early. If the Panthers can run on them, we have a chance. If they founder and the Saints’ passing game or special teams or turnovers give New Orleans an early lead, we’ll be in serious trouble.

But that’s just my nickel’s worth,
—Neil

The Panthers have a chance if the mistakes can be kept to a minimum as far as special teams and the QB position and if the running game and defensive level of play are comparable to last weekend.

As always James, love the breakdown. And also Neil – definitely like the play-by-play you give as well. I’m hoping that Carolina can work some voodoo magic against the Saints. It’s going to be nasty, either way you look at it. Either they’re going to blow us away (since our offense isn’t really built for quick/high scoring) or it’s going to be a knock-down-drag-out fight . I want our defense to prove to everyone why they’re #1 vs the pass again, especially against the seriously dangerous aerial assault NO has. Also, on a personal note – it would allow me to tell this Saints fan I work with to STFU :) (He’s been gloating all season long, despite NO having a quasi-soft schedule)

Wow.

but for this game I’m someone doubtful. After seeing all the games we put up so far this season, I think self preservation is kicking in and saying not so fast on the optimism. If we win this week, however, things definitely look much brighter for the future. :)

I think we all need to be careful here and not get ahead of ourselves. Yes, the Panthers had a terrific game against the cards, and trust me, I could not have been happier, for us as a fan base and for them. I just think that we need to stay off the cool aid and look at the facts here. I think Neil hit it on the head in terms of the intangible factor. The Panthers had a score to settle with the Cardinals, and they were all probably dead set on accomplishing the goal of humiliating them in Arizona.

That being said, the other factor here is the coaching. I still do not believe in this coaching staff. Until they find a gameplan and stick with it, I will not put my trust into Fox and Davidson to get the job done. Couple that with the fact that we have no passing game and it will kill us here. While Arizona was not successful in stacking the box, I doubt the Saints will make the same mistake. If they even begin to shut down the run, I think Davidson will run away from it as fast as he chases an ice cream truck. If he does that, and puts Delhomme out there to throw, this game will be a disaster, and another excuse for ESPN to show how bad we are.

In all honesty I do not expect this team to win this game. I think NO will put it out of reach early on and simply force Delhomme to throw. Our pass D may be #1 in the league, but that means nothing until it is put to a real test, and this is a real test of that ranking. I really hope I eat my own words here, but I do not think the Panthers will win this one. Not with an offensive coordinator who tosses gameplans as soon as they stumble, and not with a QB, who leads the league with 13 INTS (I think), who is forced to throw against an ball hawking secondary, prone to taking INT’s to the endzone.

I really liked the article. It was unbiased and accurate. I have not seen to many of the panthers games’. I have been quite happy sitting on my saints chair in the bar i go to, watching my saints tv… But I have been looking around at clips and recaps etc.

As you guys probably know our ‘mojo’ seems to have shuddered a bit as of late. The last games to ATL, well … lets just say I have no fingernails and my voice is still hoarse! The saints seem to still be winning though, even with us playing ‘messy’ or ‘sloppy’ football… that is my X factor, I keep in my head. the last 2 games we have thrown 4 int. each. more than the first 5 games combined. As we all know this could play a very big factor for both sides. If brees gets off key, or you keep him guessing you may get a few. But same goes for you, D sharper, Greer, and T porter are nasty…

All in All I hope for a NO injury game please!! (we’ve had enough of that!) and hopefully a great game of football

All the best, and we’ll cya sunday

…but the NFL Network has three of their analysts either picking the Panthers over the Saints this week or playing up their chances. Sterling Sharpe and Brian Baldinger flat out picked them to win. And Jason LaCanfora asserts that it’s definitely a “trap” game for the Saints. It’ll be interesting watching NFC Playbook on the NFL Network this week and watch them break down their reasons why they think Carolina can take advantage of New Orleans.

I think what you have said is mostly ture. It is going to be a close game….so close I know fans on both sides are going to be nail bitting. The Carlonia fans are great…I have been to the BA field twice now with all my SAINTS GEAR and the fans have been just great…win or lose. I really think this will be the Saints lowest scoring game of the season thus far….You heard it here….Saints 19…..Cats 13. I just think the “D” will show up all every play. The “O” will cancel each other out.

WHODAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As a day one Sains fan I have learned to be the opposite…lol. You are correct: its going to be agreat game. No team can keep up the 40 + scores

Hargrove is holding his own, but he’s not Sedrick Ellis. It seemed that Turner got his yardage Mon. night by bouncing to the outside. We are also missing our starting outside linebacker Scott Fujita. I think this is going to be a fun one to watch, I just hope everyone stays healthy. How ’bout them Blue Devils.

I feel good about our ability to get to who dat? drew brees! and i feel good about Ron Meeks D to jump those passes since brees has been stareing his recievers down. and our running game cant be stopped! I am in favor of a 1 dimentional offense on our part. like even a wildcat the entire game would be nice.