Jimmy Clausen Will Need to Open Spaces for Panthers Run Game vs. Saints

Filed under: Panthers, Saints, NFC South

The Carolina Panthers had to notice the Atlanta Falcons flattening the New Orleans Saints with the ground game late in last Sunday's matchup in the Superdome.

Looks can be deceiving.

The Falcons started to run the ball in the first quarter, not the fourth quarter. They were piling up time of possession. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around -- and overtime -- the Saints were gassed and got gashed by the run game.

The Panthers better think twice if they try and stick it to New Orleans with the run game like that. They will have to go to the run and stick with it and get some mileage on the defense.

Carolina's best option to free running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart is to pass first, run second. The rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen has to involve veteran receiver Steve Smith right from the start. If he does the Saints will back off their safety.

That is easier said than done. Jabari Greer, the best corner for the Saints, will play Smith one one-on-one. There won't be much room for Clausen to put a pass in there.

The Saints are 30th in run defense, so it figures they are susceptible to five and six-yard carries by Williams and Stewart. A lot depends on Clausen handling the various New Orleans looks of pressure and fake pressure.

When it does come time to run the Panthers have to plow. They will have to deal with Saints defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, who has played better this season than any time in his career. End Alex Brown has also played well.

 

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