soooo....

You can take some things from it, but it's not like all 32 teams are playing eachother at the same time on one big ass field. I care about us doing things that help us win. Being an excellent 3rd down defense helps us win. A lot of that is set up by stopping the run. Those things help us win games.

 

The Saints are truly a nightmare match-up for this defense. No one in the secondary is big enough to handle Jimmy Graham, no one in the secondary is big enough to handle Marques Colston, TD is the only linebacker who won't get exposed by Darren Sproles, Kenny Stills and Lance Moore give Brees additional weapons, the Saints have allowed the fifth fewest sacks pending tonight's result, and they have the second highest completion percentage in the league going against a defense that is fourth worst in completion percentage allowed.

This is one where the offense is going to have to win the game, especially the rushing game. New Orleans is 3rd against the pass in yards and points, but 15th against the run in yards and 29th in yards per carry. Carolina will need to have those long, grind-em-out drives to keep Brees off the field, then hope to come out ahead in turnovers.

 

I have tremendous respect for Brees as a player and a human being . ... he's awesome. That being said, Drew Brees will have to be maimed/killed/decapitated in the first quarter for the panthers to hold the saints to that 13 pt average.
I know the brady's could only score 20 and I loved that like my first born, but if Carolina can hold Brees & Co. to 20 it will be a miracle and the sky would be the limit for this years team.

 

I would love to beat the Saints and win the division but this season has already been by far the most enjoyable season as a Panthers fan since 2003.

 

Yeah as luck would have it, they are about the toughest matchup for us.

I fear Brees but he lost my respect whining all year about bounty gate. They were fucking guilty. I would love to beat them, and love to de-spleen him in the process.

 

Sounds weird but I almost don't want to win the division. Maybe the conclusion to '08 is still lingering in my head.

 

Over a few games stats can be terribly misleading, but over a season they tend to be a reliable indicator.

My faves

Turnover ratio
Red zone efficiency (both off and def)

I also like time of possession over the long run. If you can combine time of possession with a positive turnover ratio, you are keeping your D off the field and rested while also maximizing possessions.

 

I think we also lead the league in flags picked up. When it's going good, it's going good.

 

We could say we're leading the league in flags that should not have been thrown.

 

I hope Kracken knocks Brees so hard his birthmark falls off his face