3 matchups that will decide Saints vs. Panthers

The New Orleans Saints versus Carolina Panthers will be decided a few matchups. Both teams are looking to evaluate their new offense. Alvin Kamara versus Shaq Thompson is the battle the Saints offense will look to win. The Panthers hope newly signed Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis swing the tide in the offensive trenches against Bryan Bresee and company.

Kamara will be the focal point of the offense. We’ll finally get a look at what he truly looks like in Klint Kubiak’s offense. Dennis Allen used Kamara’s first run of the preseason as an example of what the offense should look like. A major aspect to look for is how involved Kamara will be in the passing game.

Thompson fractured his fibula in last year’s matchup. This will be his first game back from injury. The Panthers linebacker will of course play a part in the run game and he’ll likely be the primary defender against Kamara in coverage.

Another pivotal matchup is the Panthers interior offensive line versus the Saints defensive tackles. Bresee is looking to build on a solid rookie season. It’ll be interesting if he gets the majority of the snap after Allen complimented Bresee’s improvement. There will be a revolving door next to him.

The Panthers signed two new guards and slid Austin Corbett to center. They spent big on guards in hopes to fortify the middle of the line for Bryce Young. Shorter quarterbacks benefit from this and so does the running game.

Moving away from the trenches, the battle between Chris Olave and Jaycee Horn. Olave is an emerging wide receiver who’s consistently produced for New Orleans. The same can be said for Horn when he’s healthy. That hasn’t been the case consistently enough through his career, but the ability has never been in doubt. As the Saints look to get their offense going, your top receiver will always be a high priority.