3 x factors for Panthers-Saints contest
By: Jake Rajala
The (7-6) Carolina Panthers travel to the Big Easy to combat the (3-10) New Orleans Saints. The Saints won in their first meeting by a score of 17-7. It was a game to forget for Bryce Young (as he had 17 for 25, 124 passing yards, and an interception). With that simply said, I’m going to lay out a few x factors for the showdown.
Devaughn Vele
Devaughn Vele may have the best catching skills on the team. He also isn’t scared to take a hit in the middle of the field. He is sort of like a poor man’s version of Michael Thomas. He had a few nice grabs for 40 yards last week. Two weeks ago, he recorded 8 receptions for 93 yards.
Chuba Hubbard
It feels like Chuba Hubbard has been on the Panthers for ages. He has 433 yards and a touchdown. It feels like he has been a nightmare for the Saints, just as Ted Ginn was a few years back. Hubbard is the second RB, behind Rico Dowdle. The Saints rank 23rd in rushing yards allowed, so there will be plenty of opportunities for Hubbard to make the Saints defense bleed.
Taysom Hill
Kellen Moore has said that they need to get Taysom Hill more involved. Hill has dropped passes from the slot spot, which isn’t promising. He also doesn’t have the same juice from the wildcat spot. He just isn’t playing like he did last season. It doesn’t help that he’s 35 years old.
Honorable Mention:
Tyler Shough
Some might ask: How is the starting QB an x factor? Well, I believe it’s worth considering his legs as the x factor. He had two rushing touchdowns last week. He ran a 4.63 40 yard dash, so he has plenty of juice.
When the Saints and Panthers collide, their records mine as well go out the window. It’s always a blood bath between the two squads. The Panthers can’t afford to lose this one, as they have a real shot at making the playoffs.
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