Carolina Panthers

Panthers Game Day: New Orleans Saints - Week 6

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Nicknamed “The Big Easy,” expect anything but for a Carolina Panthers team struggling to regain their identity…

Last week, the Carolina Panthers were featured in a home prime time game in front of a nationally televised audience. Fans familiar with only 2015 probably struggled to recognize the team in action on Monday night, currently a shell of their former selves. Now 1-4 and having recently dropped their first two divisional games to Atlanta and Tampa Bay, the Panthers prepare for a matchup with the Saints and a hopeful return of starting quarterback Cam Newton. Opposite them on Sunday, Drew Brees awaits with a New Orleans team coming off a bye week after having earned their first victory of the season.

Battling through some tough injuries, New Orleans has posted just the one win on the young season. The bye week will certainly help and the Saints are always tough to beat inside the Superdome. Brees has been putting up incredible numbers despite losing efforts. Averaging the second most yards-per-game (317.2) through the air he has tossed 10 touchdowns to this point.

Opposite, the Panthers have allowed almost 30 points per game and over 260-yards passing on average. With rookie James Bradberry sidelined, the Panthers currently will dress only three active cornerbacks on Sunday. Fellow rookies Daryl Worley and Zack Sanchez along with Teddy Williams will look to contain receiver Brandin Cooks and others on the outside.

2016 SEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-4) at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-3)

KICKOFF: 1:00 PM EDT

TV: FOX

LOCATION: MERCEDES-BENZ SUPERDOME

WEATHER: INDOOR

LAST MEETING: 41-38, CAR – Dec. 6, 2015

Dec 6, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Michael Hoomanawanui (84) catches a pass over Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) during the second half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Panthers defeated the Saints 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

KEY MATCH-UP: New Orleans Receivers vs. Carolina Secondary

The Carolina Panthers attempted to retool their secondary following a Week Four loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Having made some changes, Jameis Winston and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers weren’t as successful as Atlanta, but did strike when needed to help secure the victory last week. Also, a defensive front that appeared ready to pressure the quarterback aiding the secondary was shredded multiple times by third-string running back Jacquizz Rodgers on his way to over 100-yards rushing.

That same retooled secondary will be missing the veteran Robert McClain on Sunday, likely starting two rookies either outside or at the corner and nickel positions. Either way, it appears to be an appealing matchup for the veteran Brees. Both Michael Thomas and Cooks will test the young corners with the experienced Brees inside the Superdome. While neither is Atlanta’s Julio Jones, both are legitimate threats to the Panthers’ depleted secondary.

A year ago, Carolina was able to sweep the Saints winning close games both at home and on the road. In a season where the Panthers have now dropped two divisional games, recording four total losses, Sunday is a must win. While Carolina will be able to score points on offense, it won’t be enough to keep pace with the high-powered attack of Drew Brees and company inside the dome.

PREDICTION: Panthers – 27, Saints – 38