Saints vs. Panthers: Who has the edge at each position?

After starting the season with a 3-2 record, the New Orleans Saints are looking to bounce back from their bye week against the Carolina Panthers.

The New Orleans Saints are desperately looking to bounce back from their bye week. They went in 3-2 and are looking to come out on fire. Week 7 could bring the team to a 4-2 record and continue them on the right trajectory for the year.

Quarterback: NO

This will be the first meeting between Drew Brees and former Brees’ protege Teddy Bridgewater. Brees should have the edge, but he has not been playing up to par lately. Bridgewater could definitely show the Saints they should have kept him.

Running Back: NO

If Christian McCaffery was healthy, it would be a debate. He is one of the best at the position. However, with Mike Davis making another start, Kamara will run circles and catch circles around him this week.

Wide Receiver: NO

We thought Michael Thomas was coming back last week, but he got disciplined and did not end up making an appearance. Hopefully, this week will be the first week since Week 1 that we will see Thomas back in action.

Tight End: NO

In Weeks 1, 2, and 5 the Saints played some of the best tight ends in the league. If Brees continues to dump the ball down and not throw it long, Cook should have a better week than the Panthers tight end who we think is Ian Thomas.

Offensive Line: NO

There is no denying that, when healthy, the Saints have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. With Ruiz is back, I am taking the Saints without even considering it. They have continually been opening up the run for Kamara.

Defensive Line: NO

The Saints line had a rough go at it in their Week 3 loss against the Packers, but in Weeks 4-5 they got to the quarterback multiple times. They should be able to disrupt former Saints’ quarterback Teddy Bridgewater this week.

Linebackers: CAR

Between Shaq Thompson on the inside and Jermey Chinn on the outside, they make up a good pair. Panthers’ rookie Chinn has been playing phenomenally. They go against the only quality Saints’ linebacker Demario Davis.

Cornerback: NO

The duo of Janoris Jenkins and Marshon Lattimore, if they are healthy, still might be the best that the team has ever had despite down weeks. Lattimore is continuing to get better, and Jenkins is continuing to learn the system.

Safety: NO

According to Sam Monson of PFF, “At safety, Marcus Williams had the best PFF overall grade of any member of the secondary a season ago (86.5). He also earned the best coverage grade (89.2). Next to him will be Malcolm Jenkins, versatile safety who can move around the secondary and answer some of the matchup problems that NFL offenses can cause now.”

Special Teams: NO

Wil Lutz, outside of Harrison Butker and Justin Tucker, is the best kicker in football, and Thomas Morestead respectively at punter. There are not many special team units that can compare to how good the Saints are — especially not the Lions.