Key matchups for Panthers vs. Saints in Week 9
The New Orleans Saints absolutely waxed these Carolina Panthers for 47 points to kick off the 2024 season.
If the Panthers don't want that to happen again, here are four key matchups they'll have to conquer:
Panthers LT Brady Christensen vs. Saints DE Chase Young
The Panthers have already ruled out their usual starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu. And that's a shame for an improving offensive line, which has certainly benefitted from a bounce-back campaign by the former No. 6 overall pick.
Christensen will move over from center to the blindside, where he was a consensus All-American during his last season at Brigham Young University. He'll be tasked with slowing down Young, who recorded a game-high five pressures in the opening-week matchup.
Panthers WRs Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker vs. Saints CBs
Speaking of players who won't be suiting up, the Saints will be without starting outside cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Kool-Aid McKinstry. Legette, who scored his third NFL touchdown last week against Denver's Patrick Surtain II, will try to take advantage of the absences.
His fellow rookie Coker also scored in Week 8 and posted a career-high 78 receiving yards. He'll see Taylor, whose 3.0 sacks from Week 1 should remain fresh in the Panthers' minds.
Panthers OLB Charles Harris vs. Saints LT Taliese Fuaga
Fuaga—like the Saints as a whole—started strong, but has struggled a bit of late. He's allowed a team-high 25 pressures and five sacks.
Harris was blanked by the Broncos last Sunday, as he recorded zero pressures on 26 pass-rushing opportunities. He could get back on the board against the rookie.
Panthers CB Jaycee Horn vs. Saints WR Chris Olave
Horn was targeted a grand total of zero times by New Orleans in Week 1. That air-tight coverage helped limited Olave to just two receptions and 11 yards.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Key matchups for Panthers vs. Saints in Week 9
