The New Orleans Saints host the Carolina Panthers in Week 10 in a clash for the top spot in the NFC South. One major factor in the matchup will be explosive plays, both generating and limiting them. Limiting those plays has not been a strength of the Saints’ defense in recent weeks.
New Orleans is tied for the seventh-most passes of 20-plus yards surrendered so far this season (28) and is tied for ninth with six rushes of 20-plus yards given up.
That’s a tough situation to be in while heading into a matchup with the Panthers, who have both a top-10 passer in quarterback Bryce Young and a top-10 rusher in running back Chuba Hubbard.
Limiting those big plays, which have been particularly problematic late in games recently, will be a key element in keeping the Saints in what could be a shootout matchup between the two NFC South teams.
Similarly, the Saints’ offense benefits most when it can generate big plays. Early in the season, this was the lifeblood of the offensive attack while the run game was struggling.
Against the Cleveland Browns, in the team’s most recent win, explosive completions between quarterback Tyler Shough and wide receivers Chris Olave and Barion Brown brought the offense to life late.
The Saints have generated 21 passing plays of 20-plus yards so far this year, but the Panthers have allowed the second-fewest such plays on defense.
Both teams give up points at a high rate, but it’s the chunk plays and turnovers that could end up being the difference in this one as the two teams trade blows.
