Welcome everyone to another game preview for the New Orleans Saints! This week, we preview the Wild Card matchup between the Saints and the Carolina Panthers
Last Week: The New Orleans Saints came up short last weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a big drive in the final moments by Jameis Winston. However, even with the loss, the Saints were still able to become NFC South champions after Carolina lost to the Atlanta Falcons.
Last Meeting: The Saints won both of the previous matchups from earlier this season.
Storylines to Watch:
Greg Olsen Likely Playing: The big difference when it pertains to the Jimmys and Joes in this Sunday’s matchup is that tight end Greg Olsen will likely be starting. He’s been M.I.A. in the last two matchups and that may have been the biggest difference in terms of getting the Panthers offense going.
Olsen has had several solid performances against the Saints the past couple of seasons and will pose a challenge against a Saints defense that is suffering from a lack of depth at the position of linebacker. It will be one of the big questions headed into Sunday afternoon.
Offense Missing Killer Instinct: The last few weeks, the Saints offense has lost something it had throughout the regular season and that’s killer instinct. Look back at the first matchup against Tampa Bay earlier in the season. They dominated from kickoff to the final whistle in that game and never let up on the gas.
Last week was a prime example of New Orleans not having that killer instinct and it cost them in Week 17. If they let Carolina hang around this weekend, it’ll be a short postseason.
Is the Dome Field Advantage Enough? The “Dome Field Advantage” is an amazing thing this season. The crowd has been loud all season long and has been crucial for the Saints in some of these fierce NFC South contests.
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome has been a safe haven for the Saints and if the magic hasn’t worn off, it could get them to the next round.
New Orleans Will Win If:
The Saints will advance in the postseason if they can find that offensive spark. It’s been an issue the last couple of games and they’ll need to attack early and often.
Carolina Will Win If:
Carolina can upset the Saints if Cam Newton can use Greg Olsen to his full potential. He’s been a thorn in the side of the Saints when he’s active and he seems to be a full-go for Sunday afternoon.
-Clint Domingue