Panthers Lead Saints 20-3 at Halftime of Thursday Night Football

Sean Payton and Ron Rivera have both guided their teams to Super Bowl appearances, with Payton winning his in 2008.

He figures maybe that might help slow down Saints quarterback Drew Brees. New Orleans was set to notch a key upset of the Broncos when Brandin Cooks tied the game with a 32-yard touchdown reception with 1:22 left to play. If this game is as close as the last one then those brain farts could decide the game once again.

Carolina blew a 17-0 lead to fall at home to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at home in Week 10, 20-17.

Against the Broncos, the Saints had arguably their best game defensively this season, especially with their pass rush. If they can stop Jonathan Stewart, who has been a nemesis for years, the Saints will concentrate on making Newton uncomfortable in the pocket. But if there’s a quarterback to pile on the pressure and expose a team’s frailties, it will be Brees. He had two touchdowns passing and one rushing, they sacked him twice and had one interception. The Saints added some decent players in free agency like Nick Fairly and James Laurinaitis, but this is still a unit that needs the offense to score 30 points a game to win. The Panthers were however without cornerback James Bradberry in this matchup, although I’m not sure it would have made that much of a difference.

These teams boast two of the best in the league. His last game against the Panthers came five games ago, when he caught six passes for 74 yards and a TD. “He’s chomping at the bit to get back out there and perform”. But can the Saints’ get home against Cam Newton?

KICKING THEMSELVES: Major breakdowns on kicks have figured prominently into two Saints losses, including last Sunday. Cam Newton will always be around to vulture short TDs, but Stewart should still find the end zone at least once this week. Considering the Week 6 loss was by only three points, maybe being at home is what gives them the edge to pick up a few plays they struggled with last time around. He has been sacked 23 times in eight games, so it can be done.

Michael Thomas – If there is going to be one WR who could have a huge game this week I think Thomas is the guy.

Perhaps that will change the Saints’ disgusting luck this season. “It won’t become a mental thing”, Payton said. “Some lessons in our league are learned the hard way”. I want to see the Saints get a clear and decisive victory on Thursday night before I declare them a true playoff contender in the NFC.

Mark Ingram – Ingram is no longer the bell cow RB for the Saints, but he has been running efficiently. Willie Snead, who the saints signed as an undrafted free agent, almost had 1,000 yards last season.

Forced to face off against two of the NFL’s best secondaries, Seattle and Denver, in a span of three weeks, Brees threw for 265 yards and 303 yards.