As the New Orleans Saints host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in a battle for the top spot in the NFC South, two lesser-celebrated names could have a major impact: wide receiver Devaughn Vele and rookie offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright.
WR Devaughn Vele
So much attention from the Panthers’ secondary will have to be focused on wide receivers Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson, leaving the potential for Vele to emerge, especially on key downs.
This was the hope of the New Orleans offense early in the season, to have so many weapons at its disposal that opposing defenses would have trouble keying one main target to disrupt just one or two of the team’s receivers.
Vele has been a consistent contributor for New Orleans on third downs, in particular. He leads the team in third-down receiving yards with 173 and is tied for second in receptions with 11. Olave leads the way with 13.
Seven of his 11 third down receptions have resulted in a first down.
Carolina ranks as the No. 31 third-down defense in the league, allowing conversions at a rate of 47.7%.
Vele could be a major factor in keeping the Saints on the field against a vulnerable Carolina defense.
OL Jeremiah Wright
Wright will receive his second career start at right guard with starter Cesar Ruiz moving to center for the week to replace the injured Erik McCoy.
The Panthers have allowed 1.8 yards before contact per rush so far, the third-highest rate in the NFL. With Wright being a strong run blocker, this could be a positive matchup to replace his first subpar start against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
New Orleans earned a minus-0.60 EPA per run up the middle against Pittsburgh, an area the team looks to improve upon against the Panthers. In order to do so, New Orlenas will need to see the kind of success it found with Wright in the lineup as a run blocker against the New York Giants instead.
He’ll have a favorable matchup against the league’s No. 28 rushing defense, but will have to also manage battles against star defensive tackle Derrick Brown. If Wright can succeed in this game, it will represent a bonus for the team’s ground attack and offense as a whole.
