Saints Run D Looks to Finish Strong Against Surging Panthers Running Game

After getting pushed around by Carolina's running game in Week 3, New Orleans hopes to return the favor and stuff their division rivals to end the year strong.

Author:
Bob Rose
Publish date:
Jan 6, 2023 8:30 AM EST

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New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints host the Carolina Panthers this Sunday to finish up the year for both teams. New Orleans (7-9) and Carolina (6-10) were each eliminated from playoff contention last weekend.

It's a rematch between NFC South foes from Week 3, which was a 22-14 win by Carolina. That Panthers team had RB Christian McCaffrey, who had 108 yards rushing that day, along with QB Baker Mayfield, WR Robbie Anderson, and coach Matt Rhule. All four are now gone after a mid-season purge.

The Saints have played defense at a championship-level for the last nine games, leading the league in several categories over that span. For the year, they rank 10th in total defense by giving up an average of 321.8 yards per contest.

New Orleans takes on a Carolina squad that went on a roll after they fired Rhule and traded McCaffrey. The Panthers are 5-6 since those moves, but their 27th-ranked offense averages around 312 total yards per game.

Carolina has had some good success on the ground this year, even without McCaffrey. It's a category that the Saints have struggled in most of the year and will be one of the key areas of this game.

Saints Run Defense

- 20.9 points per game (13th)

- 127.9 rushing yards/game (21st)

- 4.5 per rush (23rd)

- 14 rushing touchdowns (14th)

- 73 tackles for loss

- 40.6% 3rd Down Percentage (22nd)

New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata (93) gets ready for the snap against the Carolina Panthers. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans has allowed three 100-yard rushers and seven more runners with at least 70 yards in 2022. Their defensive interior has been pushed around most of the season. However, they've come up big in key situations in recent weeks.

The defensive tackle spot, led by starters David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle with Kentavius Street and Malcolm Roach, have stalemated the middle in the last few games. That was especially true against a formidable Philadelphia ground attack in last week's victory.

New Orleans defensive ends play the run well, but were ineffective early in the year because opponents were able to rush inside of them. Cam Jordan continues to be one of the league's better all-around ends. Marcus Davenport is an effective run defender, but has given up snaps because of the development of Carl Granderson. Tanoh Kpassagnon provides quality depth outside or inside.

New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Demario Davis (56) in action against the Carolina Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY

The Saints linebackers have been the strength of the defense all year. Pro Bowler Demario Davis (101 tackles, 9 for loss) has his sixth straight 100+ tackle campaign. His elite instincts and outstanding physicality and pursuit fuel the entire unit.

Second-year LB Pete Werner was having a Pro Bowl campaign before suffering an ankle injury at mid-season. He was leading the NFL in tackles before injuries caused him to miss five of six games. Werner, who returned in limited duty last week, has shown terrific instincts.

In Werner's absence, fourth-year LB Kaden Elliss has blossomed into a difference maker. A physical player, Elliss has 73 tackles in the last eight games, including five for loss and several crucial stops.

While the linebackers have been a strength, Saints safeties have been the biggest disappointment of the team. Marcus Maye has missed six games with injuries and could sit out against the Panthers with shoulder issues. Tyrann Mathieu was the primary culprit for the poor tackling that plagued most of the unit through the first 2/3 of the year, though his play has noticeably improved. P.J. Williams and Daniel Sorensen will step in Maye's spot this Sunday if he's unavailable.

Panthers Rushing Attack

- 21.1 points per game (18th)

- 127.4 rushing yards/game (12th)

- 4.6 per rush (14th)

- 16 rushing touchdowns (8th)

- 29.8% 3rd Down Percentage (31st)

Carolina Panthers running back D'Onta Foreman (33) runs the ball through the Detroit Lions defense. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina's running game has been up and down since they traded McCaffrey after week 6. They've been held to under 100 yards on the ground four times in ten contests. However, they've also rushed for 169 or more in the other six games, including over 200 yards three times and a franchise-record 320 two weeks ago.

It's been a two-headed rushing attack of D'Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard for the Panthers down the stretch. Foreman is the power back and leads the team with 846 yards and five touchdowns. He has five 100-yard outings.

Hubbard, a second-year back, has 397 yards and two touchdowns. He has one 100-yard game and has taken over as the leading pass catcher among the backs. Undrafted rookie Raheem Blackshear provides depth.

The Panthers have gotten improved play from their offensive line in 2022. Rookie LT Ikem Ekwonu, the sixth overall pick, is the physical star of the unit. He's complemented by plenty of veteran experience with LG Brady Christensen, C Bradley Bozeman, RG Austin Corbett, and RT Taylor Moton.

What to Expect

New Orleans Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) tackles former Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22). Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints were impressive in shutting down an explosive Eagles running game last week. To repeat their success, they'll have to win in the trenches against a Panthers team that's looked to maul opponents.

Carolina has had a revolving door at quarterback this season, eventually turning back to Sam Darnold. The Panthers attempt among the fewest passes in the NFL, but have had success bullying opponents with their offensive line.

New Orleans has still shown some vulnerability against the run, even with their defensive success in the last eight weeks. If their defensive tackles can get some and clog inside lanes, linebackers Davis and Elliss should have an unencumbered path to the ball in pursuit.

Carolina controlled the tempo of the game in their Week 3 win over New Orleans, rushing for 145 yards and nearly 4.7 per carry. If the Saints are to close out their year on a four-game winning streak, they'll need to stuff the Panthers and prevent them from gathering any offensive momentum with their running game.