Saints V. Panthers Tonight

When the schedule for the New Orleans Saints came out last Summer a lot of folks didn't get too worried about the December opponents. There were more important games on the schedule against Atlanta and Seattle. December had two meeting with the Carolina Panthers. A lot of Saints fans, myself included, naturally assumed that would be an easy two in the win column.

Carolina has come on strong in the past two months. I don't think they have lost a game since early October. The way they are playing they might not lose the game tonight.

The Saints have looked spectacular and mediocre this season. Their last game at Seattle was maybe the worst performance the team has given since Sean Payton took over as head coach.

Last year the Panthers ran all over the Saints defense. This year that defense is much better. While the focus of the national media may be on Drew Brees and Cam Newton , the game will be won in the trenches. More specifically in the battle between the Panthers defensive line and the Saints offensive front. If the Saints offensive line can open enough holes to get some kind of a ground game on track, that will open up the passing lanes. When Drew Brees has a running game supporting him, the Saints are unstoppable.

Our Saints reporter Gus Kattengell suggested this game would be very close and would most likely be decided on the leg of Garrett Hartley. I don't think the game will be that close.Carolina is due for a loss. The Saints got embarrassed last Monday and they are looking for redemption in front of a national audience. I see Saints fans snuggling in their beds with smiles on their faces by the beginning of the fourth quarter.

Remember you can listen to the pregame and post game show via the listen live link at this website and also by using the Radipup app. NFL league rules prohibit us from carrying the play by play of the game via online radio but you can hear that on 97.3 FM. The pregame show will begin at 5:30 with kick off scheduled for 7:30 tonight.