Pierre Thomas
By Michael Nagle
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers, Sunday 6pm, Sky Sports 3.
Following the ‘bountygate’ scandal over the summer which meant that Saints head coach Sean Payton has been suspended for season, New Orleans were looking to get off to a bright start last weekend but failed miserably at home against Washington.
The Saints offence looked out of sorts and Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas did not get enough touches in the game. But how can you write off Saints quarter back Drew Brees?
Last season he broke former Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino’s long-standing record for the number of passing yards in a season. I can’t see how this sluggish Panthers defence can keep him quiet for the whole game.
The Panthers were not at the top of their game in their week one loss to Tampa Bay. I’m not a Cam Newton believer. Although he had a fantastic rookie season last year, his numbers towards the end seemed to drop off once the opposition got more game tape.
Newton will have a ‘sophomore slump’ this season and the Panthers could very easily finish last in their division.
Saints are 4/5 at (-1) in Paddy Power’s online handicap betting for this NFC South showdown and that is my Lock of the weekend.
