//Five Things to Watch: Panthers at Saints

Five Things to Watch: Panthers at Saints

Defense on third down

Carolina’s had defensive issues on third down all season long, entering Week 7 ranked No. 29 by allowing a 50.7 percent conversion rate. Only the Bills, Giants, and Titans have been worse.

That issue probably won’t go away this week, as New Orleans has had one of the best third-down offenses. The NFC South foe is No. 4, converting 48.5 percent of its 66 attempts through five games.

Brees has stellar numbers on third down this season, completing 75.6 percent of his passes for 348 yards with four touchdowns and one interception. But of Brees’ 21 passes from third-and-7 or more, only seven have resulted in first downs, with two resulting in touchdowns. That means there should be an opportunity for Carolina to make a stop with sound tackling, even if Brees completes a short third-down pass.