Browns all but destroyed their hopes for the playoffs. Cam Newton threw for 265 yards (and surpassed 3 Carolina Panthers Hoodie ,000 passing yards for the eighth straight season), but was hindered by his right shoulder. Newton overthrew an open Jarius Wright on 4th and goal at the three yard line with 2:35 left. Then in the final 57 seconds, Newton missed Devin Funchess and was intercepted. Christian McCaffrey, per usual, was a bright spot in a dimming Panthers’ offense. He finished the day with two touchdowns runs and 101 total yards. The New Orleans Saints clinched the NFC South for the second straight year after a 28-14 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With the Saints trailing 14-3 in the 3rd quarter Youth Customized Carolina Panthers Jerseys , Taysom Hill provided a momentum-changing blocked punt. After a Drew Brees touchdown and a two-point conversion, the Saints’ defense followed with a pair of sacks. New Orleans consistently applied pressure and recorded their second straight second half shut out. For the first time since 2006, the Saints have held opponents to 17 points or fewer in five consecutive games.After the Panthers’ fifth straight loss, a win over the Saints won’t be an easy feat. If Carolina is to salvage the season and keep any hope alive for the playoffs, here are the three keys for the Panthers offense to outdo the Saints: Panthers must run the ball: It sounds crazy to run the ball against the top run-defending group in the league. However www.pantherscheapshop.com , there aren’t many options that seem to be working in favor of the Panthers as of late. Newton’s throwing arm is clearly hindering his ability to sling the ball downfield. Despite their many woes, the Panthers still have the NFL’s No. 2 rushing offense. Newton is still a runner and as always, there’s McCaffrey. Over the last five games, McCaffrey has averaged 84.8 yards on the ground, scoring eight total touchdowns. So whether it seems like a viable option or not Carolina Panthers T-Shirt , stick to what works and run the ball. Avoid third and long: Since Week 10, the Saints have been strong on third-down conversions. Tied for 10th best, New Orleans has allowed first downs on just 35.6% of third-down plays. Considering Newton is struggling with 20+ yard plays, completing nine of 33 attempts, depending on the long ball doesn’t seem realistic. It’s crucial for Carolina to pick up yardage wherever they can to avoid third and long. Provide protection: Defensive end Cameron Jordan is having another Pro Bowl-worthy season. He’s totaled a whopping 12 sacks so far this year. Behind him Carolina Panthers Hats , defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins has eight and rookie Marcus Davenport has four. In their last five matchups, the Saints have forced 12 turnovers as well as 24 sacks. In recent weeks, the Panthers have buckled under pressure and can’t seem to pick up the pieces after turnover situations. With an already injured Newton, it is key for the offensive line to not allow anymore potential harm to his shoulder. Give Newton time to throw to his receivers and make lanes if he must abandon the ball and run. The Panthers will have to depend on themselves for a win. Limiting turnovers and sticking to the run will be key if Carolina is to keep any chance for the playoff alive. If Panthers quarterback Cam Newton were healthy and playing I would jump all over the three points. It might actually not be three points...or would it. My prediction site The Linebacker thinks the Panthers will win this one outright.With back-up quarterback Taylor Heinicke subbing for the injured Newton I don’t know what to expect from the Panthers offense. I’d love for Heinicke to lead a rout of the division rival Falcons. I see no downside from that even if it means a lower draft pick. It would be nice to snap the losing streak. I don’t want to take that into the next season.One bright spot from Heinicke starting is it means we can run pass plays longer than 20 yards again. It was apparent in the Saints game Newton’s arm had a fraction of the strength we are used to seeing. I hope he actually gets surgery so we don’t risk a lingering problem that bleeds into the 2019 season. As I said in the opening the Panthers are a three point home underdog. I wouldn’t touch this game one way or the other. If the Panthers defense from last week shows up the Falcons can be in trouble. If Heinicke plays like the inexperienced player he is then he will make mistakes and the scoring could be low. On my homer side though, Heinicke played pretty good in the preseason and with Norv Turner at the helm he could limit Heinicke’s risky throws. Plus he has running back Christian McCaffrey to hand off and throw to so there is that. If I were to bet on this game (and I’m not damn it) I would take the over at 44.5.Anyone have a feel for this game one way or the other? Meaning are you confident Heinicke will play well? How about he simply protects the ball and makes enough throws to extend drives?On the defensive side Carolina Panthers Hoodie , do you think the good defense will show up again at home? Will the pass rush finally resurrect itself? It’s a crap shoot for sure.