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There’s no longer anything to lose.

Maybe things were too tight or too complicated before. Something was holding the New Orleans Saints defense back during the first few weeks of the season, and at times it was frustrating. They knew they were better than what they were putting on film, but now they feel like things are starting to come together.

It began two weeks ago against the Detroit Lions. The pass rush emerged. Turnovers were created. It finally felt right. And after a few letdowns against the Green Bay Packers, those feelings continued during Sunday’s 44-23 win.

“I told you, we play like we got nothing to lose, go out there and bust heads,” safety Kenny Vaccaro said. “Packers are a good team, and they come into our house, but we couldn’t fall to 2-5. That wasn’t happening. We did everything we could to get to 3-4.”

Now the Saints will attempt to use the momentum they built Sunday night this Thursday in a critical divisional game against the Panthers in Carolina. If New Orleans wins, it would improve to .500 and move into first place in the NFC South.

It won’t be easy. The Saints are coming off a short week and will need to concoct a way to keep Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in the pocket and eliminate his ability to both extend plays and take off and run.

New Orleans will have some carryover from last week, since the team prepared for Aaron Rodgers, who also likes to extend plays with his feet. But Newton is more dangerous when running and is a different player.

“That ability creates challenges for the secondary when the play is extended and you have someone like him who comes out of what maybe looks like a sack and all of the sudden you have three more seconds to cover,” coach Sean Payton said. “That makes it challenging.”


Read more: Saints defensive line coming together, bringing more pressure | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Related article: Panthers scratch three from offensive line ahead of Thursday's Saints game | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.