The New Orleans Saints continue their preparations to host the surprising Carolina Panthers coming off their dismal showing Monday Night in a 34-7 lopsided road loss to the 11-1 Seattle Seahawks. The Saints and Panthers are both 9-3 tied for the league lead in the NFC South Division race. Carolina has won eight straight games with quarterback Cam Newton finding his rhythm. Newton presents the Saints' defense with similar challenges that they faced trying to contain Seattle's Russell Wilson, which they didn't do a very good job of. The Panthers' defense has allowed just 13.1 points per game, the NFL low, and they are plus 10 in turnover margin. The Saints enter with a plus 3 turnover margin. Carolina's defense only allows 289.9 yards per game, giving up 209 passing yards per game and only 80 yards on the ground. The Panthers' aggressive defense has recorded 39 sacks, second most in the league, while the Saints pass rush has generated 38 sacks, while Drew Brees has been sacked 24 times. Brees and his offensive weapons will definitely have their hands full trying to generate some much needed offense after picking up only 188 total yards and scoring just seven points in last week's debacle at Seattle. The Saints' offensive line will have to do a better job protecting Brees giving him more time to look down field. Tight end Jimmy Graham leads the Black & Gold with 68 receptions for 988 yards and a team-high 12 touchdowns. Pierre Thomas has latched onto 60 catches for 427 yards and three TDs. Curtis Lofton's tops the Saints' defense with 98 tackles including 63 solos with a sack. Linebacker David Hawthorne is next with 68 tackles followed by rookie safety Kenny Vaccaro with 64.
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