The New Orleans Saints eight game winning streak was snapped last Sunday and I wasn't happy that I was right about it... But when one door closes another one opens and it starts this weekend for New Orleans!

They'll be taking on the Carolina Panthers at home this Sunday at 3:25pm. You'll remember that the Saints beat the Panthers in Carolina very handly earlier this season in Week 3, 34-13.

This week I get to get back on the positive side of things as far as the Saints go. For reasons why they'll come up short in this match-up, check out Steve Peloquin's 5 Reasons why the Saints will lose to the Panthers.

Without further-ado, here are the five reasons why the Saints will come out of Sunday victorious.

1) The Secondary Will Improve

We got some good news Wednesday as both Marshon Lattimore and Ken Crawley were back at practice on a limited basis. However, Lattimore was held out on Thursday and now his status is very much up in the air with the ankle injury. As far as Crawley goes, better news! He was at practice on Thursday and seems to be on track to play on Sunday against Carolina. We saw the secondary struggle a little bit against the high-flying Rams last week so hopefully at the very least Crowley will be able to play and improve this secondary.

2) Cam Jordan Will Cause Problems for Cam Newton

Cam Jordan is having the best season of his career this year and has been a huge difference-maker on the defensive side of the ball. He was recognized by the NFL on Thursday with the honor of NFC Defensive Player of the Month. He leads the team with ten sacks (6th best in the NFL), if he's not sacking the quarterback he's getting his paws up to bat passes down, and is 5th on the team in tackles. If the Saints are going to be successful in this game Cam Jordan will be a big part of it, constantly chasing and bringing down Cam Newton.

3) Panthers Lack of Play-Makers

The Carolina Panthers do have Christian McCaffrey and Jonathon Stewart but since the last time they played the Saints they've traded away number one wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin. Devin Funchess has been good but other than him there's not much in way of wide-outs that you've even ever heard of. The others are named, Russell Shepard, Brenton Bersin, and Kaelin Clay. Didn't think you've ever heard of them. Greg Olson came back last week from injury but would have to exit early with some complications with his foot, who knows if he'll be able to play the entire game or how effective he'll be.

4) Alvin Kamara Stays in Matrix Mode

Alvin Kamara has been playing an exciting brand of football lately. Whether he's hurdling defenders, breaking tackles or somehow keeping his balance while making all sorts of shifty moves, he's been exceptional. Much like his teammate, Cam Jordan, Kamara also received some November accolades with the NFC Offensive Rookie of the Month. In the month of November he's averaged just under 76 rushing yards per game, just under 73 receiving yards per game, and 6 total touchdowns (three on the ground and three through the air). If the Saints are going to win on Sunday we'll see more of that from Alvin Kamara.

5) Cam Newton Ineffective 

Cam Newton remained on the injury report on Thursday with a right thumb/right shoulder injury. He's played all season dealing with ailments so I'm not expecting him to not play but I think with the pressure he may be under it might be difficult for him to get comfortable in the pocket. If the Saints are going to win this game they must make Newton uncomfortable and throwing from platforms he's not effective throwing from.

 

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