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METAIRIE, La. -- Perhaps the most promising part of the New Orleans Saints’ big win at Pittsburgh last Sunday was the return of the four-man pass rush.

That was the secret to the Saints’ defensive success last year. And it’s absolutely vital to their fortunes this year -- especially with a less-experienced secondary.

Both outside linebacker Junior Galette and defensive end Cameron Jordan have said over the past week that they put that responsibility on their shoulders. And they lived up to their own demands this past week by harassing Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger (two batted passes, one interception and one sack by Jordan, a forced holding penalty by Galette and several forced incompletions by both). The interior linemen also got a consistent push.


Read more: Saints' resurgent D-line must contain Cam Newton - NFC South Blog - ESPN

RailBoss

It will also be easier to get to Cam it seems he has been slowed down by multiple injuries. One of his biggest weapons has always been the run threat.

arsaint

We better take them seriously even though they are playing horrible.

This is an elimination game for them.

They lose and the Falcons win and they are officially out of the division race.

Panthers Elimination Options

st thomas

I can smell 4-5 sacks against Carolina. we turn it on finally and get our playoff contender face on.

SaintsBro

Look at the games that the Panthers so far have WON or tied (Cincinatti):


In the 4th quarter, the Panthers have scored 14 points, 10 points, 10 points, 10 points, 11 points, and 10-points (10.83 average).

Let's hope the Rob Ryan defense is up for the challenge of holding the Panthers off in the 4th.

73Saint

we have to be able to hold contain, & have struggled with that in the past. Big Ben is a stud but he's a slow stud. I don't care how dinged up Cam is, he's a horse of a different color.

dam1953

You ever notice how simple the game of football is? Everyone pays attention to QBs, receivers and running backs. On the other side of the ball it's always about line backers, corners and safeties.

But games or won and loss on the line of scrimmage. Average QB's and receivers become all stars with an extra 3-4 seconds in the pocket. Likewise, an average secondary looks impenetrable if their D-line can pressure a QB with a four man rush and linebackers become run stuffers when the D-line keeps blockers off of them.

Even though there are 22 players on the field....it all begins with the 9 guys in the trenches.

”It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” Charles Darwin

K Major

Cam's body language and demeanor over the last few games have told me that 100% effort from him is not there (partially due to injury).

I expect Payton to start fast, attack and pull away from the Kittens .. early.

dam1953

Look for Graham to have a big game. After what Stills did against the Steelers, doubling Graham will be suicidal. Also, let's hope that Toon can continue to step up.

Crusader

If we can hit him early and often he will fold like a chair.