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PFT’s Sundquist Scouts Panthers - Saints
By Brinson | October 18, 2008
There’s nothing quite like an ex-GM providing scouting reports. On the other hand, I would imagine he’s at least more competent to answer some questions than a guy who runs a site called Mister Mittens.
So, taking a look at Sundquist’s discussion, yes, he has a point that the Panthers offense has been stout but inconsistent. And yes, he has another point that Jake Delhomme looked awful against Tampa. But I think there’s an interesting notion to what he speaks of re: plan of attack this week.
So, where do they go from here? Straight at the Saints suspect secondary. New Orleans is tender to the big-play pass and has surrendered 58 receptions over 10+ yards, another 21 over 20+ yards (ranks dead last in the NFL). Opponents have hit the Saints for 21 quick-strike drives (4 or less plays). The problem lies on first down. New Orleans struggles to slow down the run on 1st (52.6% over 4 yards), opening up a number of options on 2nd. Carolina has averaged just about 4 yards per carry on 1st and has shown good balance overall between run/pass. Opponents go after the Saints deep (early and often), especially to the middle of the field. Look for Carolina to use the size of Muhsin Muhammad (knee) and the speed of Steve Smith to create the big play deep.
Now, of course, I would wholeheartedly agree that the Cats need to attack the NOLA secondary. But I’m also not so sure they shouldn’t use the ground game more than usual, just in order to beef up our TOP and to keep Drew Brees as far away from the football field as possible.
He’s getting a slew of weapons back this week, and Reggie Bush will be playing as well, so letting the Saints on the turf too much could = Fail. Not that such a point, belabored as it is, isn’t obvious; it’s just that we have two stout running backs, and as banged up as our offensive line is, it makes sense to try and really, really establish the run before we starting chunking the ball deep too often.