After beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, the New Orleans Saints are heading into a critical six-game stretch. It starts with Christian McCaffrey the Carolina Panthers at home in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday.
Slowing Down Christian McCaffrey is Easier Said than Done.
Carolina is Still A Threat
The series has been close. Through the first 49 games of the rivalry, the Panthers lead the series with 25 wins against 24 losses. This game has an even greater significance considering the log jam at the top of the NFC.
This is the way the NFC playoff seeds would like if the season ended today.
Komplett sinnlos, aber:
Spontan die NFL Playoffs getippt. Überraschungsarm, aber bis auf eine Ausnahme mit durchaus attraktiven Wildcard-Begegnungen #nfl pic.twitter.com/WVUTXgGIii— Nick Bicko (@Nember) November 13, 2019
The fight for home-field advantage is far from over. In my opinion, there are four legitimate teams in the running for the number one seed. The Minnesota Vikings could technically be in the mix, but the odds are extremely long. This is why this weeks’ game against the Panthers is just the start of a grind for the Saints. Winning this game has to start with slowing down a monster of a running back Christian McCaffrey.
Christian McCaffrey Poses Problems
McCaffrey is the Alvin Kamara of the Carolina Panthers. At present, he has 1,059 rushing yards through 10 games. In 2018, he finished with 1,098 yards on 219 carries with a 5.0 yards per carry. McCaffrey easily will surpass last years’ total. Also, his 5.3 yards per carry in 2019 is on a career-high pace. Furthermore, the 11 touchdowns this year has already surpassed last years’ total of seven. And his receiving skills are on pace to to close in on nearly 100 catches.
Watching this two-minute clip should give any NFL team headaches.
.@run__cmc has been an absolute headache for opposing defensive coordinators this season ?
25 Touches
? 237 Total Yards
? 3 Total Touchdowns@Panthers | #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/2CW36qL3ja— NFL (@NFL) October 7, 2019
One thing is clear. Wrapping up shall never be more important to slow down McCaffrey. One miss and he could take it to the house. Being in the right place must be adhered to. The threat of McCaffrey making a huge play exists every play. In other words, giving up 10 yards is one thing. Keeping plays from being 20-40 yards should be the goal.
Taking Kyle Allen Seriously
One advantage for the Saints this week is no Cam Newton. Newton has always created some problems in stretching plays out with his legs. No concern to new quarterback Kyle Allen. Allen came in nicely for Newton since the injury. But still, he’s been up and down. And Allen is still learning.
That being said, do not underestimate Allen’s ability and toughness. He grew up in public housing needing to prove his worth constantly. And once again, the doubters are growing.
“As an undrafted quarterback in this league, you’ve gotta keep betting on yourself, because no one else is gonna bet on you.” – Allen said.
From being cut from the practice squad to being a starter is not too much for Allen. This is what separates him…faith. The Saints better be careful with this unknown x-factor. Of course, the main threat is from McCaffrey but keep an eye on Allen. The moment is not too big for him.
Main photo:
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