This Thursday night will see a NFC South showdown between two teams that have had very disappointing 2016 NFL seasons and will probably be on the outside looking in for the playoffs. The New Orleans Saints are set to play the Carolina Panthers. While anything can happen in the NFC South due to how weak the NFC South is, I am highly doubtful and would be surprised if either of these teams make the playoffs.
Let us first look at the New Orleans Saints. They are coming into this game with a record of 4-5 and have a 2-2 record within their division. They are coming into this game coming off a loss to the Denver Broncos by the score of 25-23. Although the Saints are not playing well this season, Quarterback Drew Brees is having another decent season as he continues to be one of the game’s elite quarterbacks. I would like to note that if you look at the remainder of the Saints schedule, they have a lot of winnable games and could play a factor in the NFC South. Over the years, the NFC South has been one of the weakest divisions as they have had division winners have a sub .500 year.
On the other side, let’s look at the Carolina Panthers. They are entering this game with a record of 3-6 and are both one of the worst teams in the NFC, but are also one of the most disappointing teams of the 2016 season. They are disappointing as they were pretty much unstoppable last season as they went 15-1 and was the team to beat last season. It comes as a shocker to NFL fans as they are seeing a true Jekyll and Hyde type of team.
Unlike the Saints who still have a remote shot at the NFC South division, I don’t see the Panthers making any push or becoming a factor towards the NFC South. Also I feel the only reason why head coach Ron Rivera still has a job is due to the success of last season. If they didn’t have the run they had last season that saw them go 15-1 and make a run at the Super Bowl, I would figure Ron Rivera would be either fired or on the hot seat.
If you’d like to listen or watch this game, here is the information:
Date: Thursday November 17,2016
Time: 8:25 pm
Online: www.nfl.com
Radio: www.wwl.com (Saints), www.wbt.com (Panthers)