One position that might have made sense for the New Orleans Saints to address at the trade deadline was center, as starting center Erik McCoy will miss time with a biceps injury. No trade being made indicates that he won’t miss extended time, but it does set up a key matchup for swing lineman turned starting center William Sherman with the Saints hosting the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
With McCoy out and Sherman set to see his first start at center for the Saints, he’ll immediately draw a high-profile matchup with interior defensive lineman Derrick Brown. It’s not the luckiest draw in the world, but Sherman did step in against a talented Cleveland Browns interior in the team’s overtime win last week and handled himself well in the clutch.
Now, Sherman and Brown will lock horns throughout Sunday’s battle for NFC South supremacy.
The Saints, who rushed for 160 yards last week against Cleveland, are hoping to keep their production up on the ground against the NFL’s No. 28 run defense.
If there is any player that could turn the tide in the conversation in favor of the Panthers, it’s Brown. It’s something Sherman will be tasked with from happening.
Additionally, the Saints’ interior offensive line has been excellent in pass protection all season long. Before his injury, McCoy was ranked No. 2 in pass-block win rate and the Saints had allowed just one sack on the season which occurred against Cleveland.
McCoy also ranked No. 10 in pass-block run rate.
Meanwhile, Brown leads the Panthers with 39 pressures.
Sherman will be quickly relied upon to snap cleanly, maintain the elite-level of pass protection quarterback Tyler Shough has enjoyed, and help to pave the way for a run game that hopes to prove its turned a corner after the bye week.
His matchup with Brown will be integral to all three steps of that process.
Expect Panthers interim defensive coordinator Todd Wash to target Sherman with interior stunts and looks aimed at throwing him off in his first career start at a new position. Sherman did start two games last year at right guard, surrendering seven pressures including one sack.
