The Carolina Panthers are big underdogs (9.5 points) for tomorrow’s game against the New Orleans Saints. If they’re going to pull off an upset, they’re going to have to win some key individual matchups.
Here are six we will be watching on Sunday.
Kyle Allen vs. Kyle Allen
Sometimes the greatest adversary comes from within. For Kyle Allen, he has to figure out a way to stop turning the ball over and hurting his team. If a pass gets tipped and picked off that’s one thing, but the interceptions Allen has been throwing the last few weeks have been of the awful, unforced variety. He’s also been panicking and running into sacks ever since the collapse in Santa Clara. If Allen can avoid any turnovers and throw at least two touchdowns, he’ll have done his job for the day.
Taylor Moton vs. Cameron Jordan
Allen’s teammates can help him keep his composure by neutralizing the Saints’ pass rush as much as they can. Priority No. 1 in that regard is containing Cameron Jordan, who has been a thorn in Carolina’s side for years. In 16 career games against the Panthers, he’s totaled eight sacks and 16 quarterback hits. Right tackle Taylor Moton will need to keep Jordan in front of him as much as possible. Slowing down Jordan is easier said than done, though. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner should consider helping Moton out with extra blockers.
James Bradberry vs. Michael Thomas
On the other side of the ball, the Panthers have to limit New Orleans’ most productive player. Wide receiver Michael Thomas currently leads the NFL with 94 catches this year. He’s totaled 1,141 receiving yards, scored five touchdowns and has yet to drop a pass. Carolina’s top cornerback James Bradberry will be tasked with shadowing Thomas. In the past, Bradberry has held his own against other superstar receivers. If he can take away Drew Brees’ favorite weapon, it will help a great deal.
Christian McCaffrey vs. Demario Davis
The Panthers have their own special weapon, of course. McCaffrey was held out of the end zone last week against the Falcons, but he still managed to post 191 yards from scrimmage on 25 touches. These days McCaffrey is essentially Carolina’s entire offense. That means he needs to be on point against linebacker Demario Davis, who is a solid tackler and coverage defender and has been a revelation since the Saints signed him a couple years ago. McCaffrey beating Davis one-on-one will be crucial for moving the chains against a tough defense.
Jarius Wright vs. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
McCaffrey can only do so much, though. D.J. Moore has finally gotten going and is on a hot streak over the last three weeks, but it’s past time for the other Panthers receivers to step up. In the slot, there’s an interesting matchup between Jarius Wright and rookie Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, who would have been an excellent fit for Carolina’s defense. Wright needs to stop dropping passes and find a way to get open against Gardner-Johnson, who has coverage abilities beyond your usual rookie DB.
Ron Rivera vs. Sean Payton
Players win games. We should never forget how important the matchup on the sidelines is, though. Coach Ron Rivera has been dominated a couple times this season, first by Kyle Shanahan in the blowout against the 49ers and again last week by Dirk Koetter. Sean Payton is a better play-caller than either one of them. Like him or not, Payton has a brilliant offensive mind and excels at scheming his players open. Rivera has to call his best game of the season if the Panthers are going to have any chance.
