Saints must slow down Christian McCaffrey to get edge in Week 13

Limiting the damage caused by Christian McCaffrey will be key for the Saints to improve their chances of winning in Week 13. The division lead is at stake.

The New Orleans Saints suffered a disappointing road loss to the Los Angeles Rams, 26-20 last Sunday. The eight-game winning streak was snapped. But most Who Dats will find it hard to believe that the team’s spirt is shaken. The time is now to look ahead as the Saints prepare to face the Carolina Panthers in the Mercedes Benz Superdome in Week 13. Even though Cam Newton has been off, Christian McCaffrey is having an amazing rookie campaign.

He’s not Alvin Kamara, but McCaffrey is putting together a solid year. To date he’s put up two TDs on 268 yards rushing and three TDs on 468 yards receiving. That’s 736 yards from scrimmage and five TDs.

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The last time the teams met, the Saints secured the W (34-13) and dominated in almost every aspect of the game. The win against the Panthers triggered their winning foundation this season. And they will need history to repeat itself in order to maintain first place in the NFC South.

One thing needs to happen to give the Saints a better chance of success against the Panthers. That’s slowing down Christian McCaffrey.

Slowing down the Panthers’ rookie won’t be an easy task, but it is a possibility. The last time the two teams met, the Saints defense allowed McCaffrey nine receptions for 101 yards and four rushes for 16 yards. The Saints defense stopped him on the ground. But it was Cam Newton’s ability to get the ball to McCaffrey in the air that drew concern.

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If Marshon Lattimore and Ken Crawley are healthy enough to return, the Saints should be able to play more man coverage. Thus applying pressure on Cam Newton and keeping McCaffrey honest.

The last time the two met, Saints rookie LB, Alex Anzalone was faced with covering McCaffrey. This time around McCaffrey will face a more mature defense.