I think we will know
 

How our season will go by looking at the Carolina game -- If we play a good game, and dare I say it win, then I believe we will have a great season. Carolina will be coming in hungry and healthy, they are at home, and have the type of team which will test how we have improved.

They have an excellent running game with a healthy Davis and Foster. Because of that they have a great play action passing game. This will test our rushing D as well as how much Smith adds to the defense.

They have a great defense -- especially on the d-line so we will see if our offseason investment in the offensive line pays off. Their overall defense will tell us if simplifying the offense helps the offense and AB.

And overall, no matter what the mags say, that Carolina is the team to beat in the division -- so beating them at home will give us huge momentum to start the season

So it will be very telling to see how we stack up in this game

Dare I predict this --- Saints 24 - Panthers 20

RE: I think we will know
 

i'm afraid true home field will give them big edge in opener(revenge,great crowd,etc.)maybe one day we will quit being a negative team destructing crowd and help our team win

RE: I think we will know
 

I don't think home field advantage really exists anymore. I think when you are on the road you can concentrate on the game at hand more and less distractions. Besides its like like we don't play there every year.

Also -- according to history under Haz the Saints have a much better winning record on the road than they do at home

I'm sorry but I think the Panthers get entirely too much credit. They are a good team with a great coach but talent wise I will take our team every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Duece is the difference in this one. He pounds the Panthers into submission with 150 yds and 2 TD's.
Saints 20 Panthers 17.

I agree that Carolina will be a test.

Me thinks the games against the Giants and Vikings will be the games to key on. With the Panthers we'll have a game under our belt. How we respond will tell in the next two games.

The Arizona game last year broke my heart... and my faith in last season.


I dunno. Hopin' for the best...



8)

The Panthers game will be our first
game of the season.

If them lucky dog get by us it will be
a big lose cause it's a division game.

But it won't be nothing we can't overcome.
They will have ta come ta Dome the next
time we play them!!!!

Saints-27 Panthers-20

:evil: