{"id":76457,"date":"2019-11-19T22:57:23","date_gmt":"2019-11-20T03:57:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/?p=76457"},"modified":"2021-05-30T14:07:54","modified_gmt":"2021-05-30T18:07:54","slug":"new-orleans-saints-gameplan-contain-christian-mccaffrey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2019\/11\/19\/new-orleans-saints-gameplan-contain-christian-mccaffrey\/","title":{"rendered":"New Orleans Saints Gameplan: Contain Christian McCaffrey"},"content":{"rendered":"

After beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, the New Orleans Saints<\/a> are heading into a critical six-game stretch. It starts with\u00a0Christian McCaffrey<\/strong> the Carolina Panthers<\/a> at home in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday.<\/p>\n

Slowing Down Christian McCaffrey is Easier Said than Done.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Carolina is Still A Threat<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

This is the way the NFC playoff seeds would like if the season ended today.<\/p>\n

\n

Komplett sinnlos, aber:
\nSpontan die NFL Playoffs getippt. \u00dcberraschungsarm, aber bis auf eine Ausnahme mit durchaus attraktiven Wildcard-Begegnungen #nfl<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/WVUTXgGIii<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Nick Bicko (@Nember) November 13, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Christian McCaffrey Poses Problems<\/h3>\n

McCaffrey is the Alvin Kamara<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Watching this two-minute clip should give any NFL team headaches.<\/p>\n

\n

.@run__cmc<\/a> has been an absolute headache for opposing defensive coordinators this season ?<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 25 Touches
\n? 237 Total Yards
\n? 3 Total Touchdowns@Panthers<\/a> | #KeepPounding<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/2CW36qL3ja<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NFL (@NFL) October 7, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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. \u00a0The 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.<\/p>\n

Taking Kyle Allen Seriously<\/h3>\n

One advantage for the Saints this week is no Cam Newton<\/strong>. Newton has always created some problems in stretching plays out with his legs. No concern to new quarterback Kyle Allen<\/strong>. Allen came in nicely for Newton since the injury. But still, he\u2019s been up and down. And Allen is still learning.<\/p>\n

That being said, do not underestimate Allen\u2019s ability and toughness. He grew up in public housing needing to prove his worth constantly. And once again, the doubters are growing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs an undrafted quarterback in this league, you\u2019ve gotta keep betting on yourself, because no one else is gonna bet on you.\u201d – Allen said.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Main photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>