The 2020 season finale for Carolina will take place at Bank of America Stadium, against NFC South foe, New Orleans. The kickoff time has been moved to 4:25 pm ET, after originally being scheduled for 1 pm. Carolina enters this game following its fifth win of the season last week at Washington. The Saints hold an 11-4 record currently and are coming off a win on Christmas day against Minnesota.
The Panthers and Saints have faced off 51 times in the regular season with New Orleans leading the series 25-26. The two clubs have played each other once in the postseason (2017 Wild Card at New Orleans) and the Saints won 31-26.
By the Numbers
Defensive Improvement
Carolina allowed just 13 points at Washington, the second-fewest points allowed by the Panthers this season (zero vs Detroit
11/22/20).
The Panthers tallied three sacks in the game. DE Brian Burns increased his season total to a team-high 9.0 sacks.
Over the last 19 drives by opponents (including Green Bay’s final eight drives in Week 15), Carolina’s defense has allowed just one TD, three FGs, 16 total points, and tallied three takeaways.
Offensive Leaders
Injury Bug
Carolina will be without several key pieces as they look to play the role of bye-spoiler in Sunday’s matchup against New Orleans. Friday, the Panthers announced that Brian Burns and Mike Davis are listed as doubtful. Also unlikely to play are Troy Pride Jr, Russell Okung and Christian McCaffrey. Running backs Trenton Cannon and Rodney Smith will split carries in Davis’ absence
Saints’ running back Alvin Kamara tested positive for Covid-19 and won’t be available for Sunday’s matchup against the Panthers. Due to league-mandated contract tracing, the entire running back room won’t be available either. Ty Montgomery is expected move to running back and the team will call up practice squad backs to help carry the load.
Carolina Connection
- Offensive coordinator Joe Brady was an offensive assistant with New Orleans from 2017-18. Brady also spent time at LSU in 2019, helping the Tigers win the CFP National Championship.
- QB Teddy Bridgewater played for the Saints from 2018-19. Last year, he started five games for New Orleans, helping the team win each of those games. Bridgewater and RG John Miller played at Louisville with Saints DT Sheldon Rankins.
- TE Chris Manhertz played for New Orleans for two seasons from 2015-16.
- CB Donte Jackson is originally from Metarie, La. He played collegiately at LSU from 2015-17, before being selected by Carolina in the 2nd round (55th overall) of the 2018 Draft.
- OL James Hurst played collegiately at North Carolina from 2010-13.
- TE Jared Cook played collegiately at South Carolina.
- S D.J. Swearinger played at Greenwood High School in Greenwood, S.C
- DT Shy Tuttle is a native of Welcome, N.C.
How to Watch:
TELEVISION BROADCAST: Fox (WJZY in Charlotte)
ONLINE: Fans can watch games for FREE online through Panthers.com on mobile web and the Panthers’ app. This week, all users everywhere will be able to watch the nationally televised game. Links to watch will be available at the start of the game on both platforms.
LOCAL RADIO BROADCAST: WBT-AM 1110 AM in Charlotte market, click here for a full list of affiliate stations.
UNC Continues to Shine into the Final Stretch