NEW ORLEANS — The commonly accepted myth about the difficulty of beating a team three times in one season will be put to its latest test when the NFC South champion New Orleans Saints (11-5) host their division rivals Martin Jones Jersey , the Carolina Panthers (11-5), in a wild-card playoff game Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
The Saints turned around an 0-2 season by beating the Panthers 34-13 in Charlotte in Week 3, igniting an eight-game winning streak. They then beat them in the Superdome 31-21 on Dec. 3.
Since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, teams that swept the regular-season series also won the playoff game 13 of 20 times, a 65 percent edge.
The Saints are not banking their hopes on statistical probabilities but on a balanced offense that does not rely on 45 throws a game by Drew Brees and on a revitalized defense that so far has withstood a withering number of injuries to starters.
Brees, who will turn 39 on Jan. 15, said he does feel an internal clock ticking on his career but treats every game with respect.
“I prepare like every game could be my last or (like) it’s a playoff game or I’ve got something to prove and I’ve got an edge,” Brees said. “It’s not like, ‘Oh, the playoffs are here, it’s time to ramp it up or things are a little more important.’ It’s always important for me.”
There were some common threads in the Saints’ two regular-season victories over Carolina. The Panthers are ranked No. 7 in the NFL on defense, allowing 317.2 yards per game, and just 88.1 yards rushing, third best in the league. But Carolina yielded their most yards rushing this season to the Saints — 149 yards in Week 3 and 148 in Week 13.
That’s a credit to rookie sensation Alvin Kamara and veteran running back Mark Ingram as well as to the Saints’ offensive line. Brees is the biggest beneficiary of a powerful running attack that is averaging 4.7 yards per carry, best in the NFL, and 129.4 yards per game, fifth in the league.
Brees threw 137 fewer passes this year (536) but connected on 386 for an NFL-record 72.0 completion percentage. His 4,334 passing yards are nearly 800 yards fewer than his 2016 totals but just about equal to his 4,388 passing yards in 2009, the Saints’ Super Bowl season.
“Sure is nice,” Brees said, smiling. “Does it change the way I prepare? No. Does it change my mindset going into a game? No. It’s just that when you add up the number of throws … if you take away five, seven, 10 attempts a game and those are going to the run game, that means you’re doing something right in the run game, and it probably means you’re playing good defense. It doesn’t force me to take as many chances.”
The Saints also have done an excellent job putting a vise around Carolina quarterback Cam Newton Melker Karlsson Jersey , who happens to be the Panthers’ leading rusher. Newton has passed for just 350 yards in the two losses. He threw three interceptions in the first meeting, including one in the end zone. He is a dangerous runner, but his only gash run against the Saints this year was a 32-yard scramble in garbage time.
The Panthers could have won the NFC South outright last week but were hamstrung by an inept offensive performance in a 22-10 loss to the Falcons. Newton completed just 14 of 34 passes for 180 yards and was picked off three times.
Newton said the Panthers have erased that game from their memory banks and are poised to make a playoff statement.
“This is when real football starts,” said Newton, who led the Panthers to the Super Bowl in 2015 with a 15-1 regular-season record. “(We’re) explaining it to the young guys and the guys who haven’t witnessed playoff football. This is where you are made or broke. I look forward to these types of moments because it brings out the best in individuals because there is so much pressure. We all know what they say about pressure — it does one of two things — and we’re hoping to shine like diamonds.”
Each team will have a significant player available who did not play in either of the first two games: Carolina tight end Greg Olsen, who has been battling a foot injury all season, and Saints rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
Saints coach Sean Payton said if Olsen is healthy, it could pose a threat to his defense because Olsen is “one of the better tight ends in the game. Not having him is significant and having him is huge.”
Carolina coach Ron Rivera knows that Lattimore, who made the Pro Bowl, can help the Saints shut down any deep threat the Panthers have. Lattimore normally shadows the opponent’s best receiver, so he may draw Devin Funchess, who has 63 catches for 840 yards.
“When I watch (Lattimore), he’s a terrific football player,” Rivera said.
The Panthers hope to have guard Trai Turner back after missing three games with concussion symptoms. Saints starting left tackle Terron Armstead (thigh) and wide receiver Michael Thomas (hamstring) were limited in practice on Wednesday but should be able to go.
PHOENIX — Like pitching?
The final game of the St. Louis-Arizona series Wednesday features a couple starters who have had strong seasons but also should be considered under-the-radar All-Star candidates, at least for those who have not been paying close attention.
You could look it up.
Arizona left-hander Patrick Corbin and St. Louis right-hander Miles Mikolas rank in the top 10 among NL qualifiers in ERA, WHIP, WAR and innings pitched. The only statistical difference is in strikeouts, where Corbin is tied for second and Mikolas is down the pack. Mikolas compensates by pitching to contact and getting the majority of his outs on the ground.
They are compatible in one more way — each has received below-average run support. Corbin has received the fourth-fewest, 3.65 per start. Mikolas’ support checks in under the league average.
Arizona used a three-run homer from Paul Goldschmidt to take a 4-2 victory Tuesday as the teams have split the first two games of the series. Arizona will conclude a 10-game homestand with a four-game set with San Diego beginning Thursday, when the Cardinals open a four-game series in San Francisco before finishing a nine-game trip in Chicago against the White Sox.
Mikolas, 29, has been perhaps the most pleasant surprise in the major leagues this season, signing with the Cardinals over the winter after three strong seasons for the Yomiuri Giants in the Japanese Central League. He was 3-13 with a 2.18 ERA in 62 starts in Japan after being released by Texas in November 2014.
“Obviously this season he’s been fantastic,” Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said. “He should be sitting on 10 wins right now. Two of the losses he had, he had us right there. He just matched up with a pitcher we couldn’t get much going against. Miles has been very good.”
Mikolas has made 11 quality starts, tied for fourth in the league. After starting the season 6-0 Saints Cheap Jerseys , he has lost three of his five decisions in June despite posting five quality starts and giving up one earned run in two of his losses.
“A guy who just attacks the strike zone,” Matheny said.
“He has very good stuff. Doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. Not afraid to use his defense. He has been just an incredible surprise for us. What a great pickup for our organization and a salute to our scouts who are finding people like Miles who are out there.
“He figured something out while he was in Japan. The way he goes about his business, not just how he competes but how he prepares, you could see that being something that sticks around for awhile.”
Mikolas and Corbin are tied for second in the league in WHIP (0.99). Mikolas is sixth and Corbin ninth in ERA and innings pitched, and Mikolas is seventh and Corbin ninth in WAR.
Each has one of the five shutouts thrown in the NL this season. Washington’s Max Scherzer, Pittsburgh’s Jameson Taillon and Atlanta’s Mike Foltynewicz have the others.
Corbin, 6-3 with a 3.14 ERA, has made two straight quality starts, giving up only one run and in 13 innings, but did not receive a decision in either game. He had extra rest the last time through the rotation after pitching seven scoreless innings while striking out 12 in a no-decision at Pittsburgh, when he threw a season-high 102 pitches. He gave up one run in six innings against San Francisco on Friday, pitching on six days’ rest.
“He (gets) into trouble, doesn’t get rattled, and continues to pound the zone and get big outs. He’s done a very good job,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said.
Jeff Mathis, one of two healthy catchers on the Arizona roster with Alex Avila on the disabled list, will catch Corbin for the third straight start.
“I like the way Jeff gets Patrick to do certain things at certain times and shows confidence in certain pitches, and helps him execute by showing that confidence,” Lovullo said. “Jeff has such respect from anyone on this staff that when he asks for something they listen.”
Corbin has received 3.65 runs per start, tied for the third fewest in the league. He is 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA in four career starts against St. Louis and is 4-3 with a 3.69 ERA in 10 starts at home this sesaon.
Mikolas, who spent previous major league seasons with San Diego and Texas, has never started against Arizona and has given one run in 4 1/3 innings in two career relief appearances, a Justin Upton homer in 2012. This will be his first appearance at Chase Field.
shoe net christian louboutin outlet March nike outlet store 31 nike factory store news, air max bright christian louboutin outlet cherry nike outlet red, cheap christian louboutin shoes cheap christian louboutin christian louboutin sale red bottom heels attractive adidas yeezy grape nike shoes cheap christian louboutin shoes purple, christian louboutin sale deep louboutin shoes sapphire, christian louboutin shoes nike air max refreshing lemon red bottom shoes christian louboutin outlet yellow, adidas outlet colourful jordans on sale adidas stan smith adidas yeezy colors like cheap jordans flowers jordans on sale christian louboutin shoes blooming in louboutin shoes cheap christian louboutin shoes spring as brilliant! nike factory store 蓝色大衣Mix全黑内搭，其实有型的扮相就是那么简单樱桃红色大衣最出彩的地方在于那一抹暗红 nike outlet store 橙色和紫色的配搭非常抢眼 nike shoes christian louboutin shoes adidas sneakers nike factory outlet 复古宫廷感的设计凸显曼妙身姿 cheap christian louboutin christian louboutin outlet air max jordan 5 adidas nmd adidas originals adidas originals under armour stephen curry under armour shoes cheap christian louboutin nike outlet nike factory outlet the christian louboutin sale cheap jordan shoes cheap christian louboutin red bottom heels color red bottom heels jordans for sale red bottom shoes stitching nike store of geometric patterns adidas stan smith adidas sneakers christian louboutin shoes is very adidas superstar avant-garde.
very nice post, i definitely enjoy this amazing site, persist in it 윈조이머니상
What others have stated and in some uncommon cases, suicide might occur. 윈조이머니상
Sometimes, blogging is a bit tiresome specially if you need to update more topics.,~;~~ 출장안마
Sometimes, blogging is a bit tiresome specially if you need to update more topics.,~;~~ 출장안마
Bloghopping is really my forte and i like to visit blogs” https://onca25.com
An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little evaluation on this. And he in reality bought me breakfast as a result of I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I really feel strongly about it and love studying extra on this topic. If potential, as you develop into expertise, would you mind updating your weblog with extra particulars? It’s extremely useful for me. Huge thumb up for this weblog submit! 카지노사이트
The processor or CPU is the brains of the personal computer – it does most of the calculations your video game titles need to have to run (with the movie card undertaking most of the graphics function). With it getting such an critical part, you would instinctually go for the fastest – and most pricey – processor you could find, but there is a improved alternate to blowing hard cash on one thing that will be obsolete in a year: receiving a processor that will play tomorrow’s video game titles at a low cost is the sweet spot for any gaming computer. πασχαλινες λαμπαδες
I am usually to blogging i actually appreciate your posts. The content has really peaks my interest. I will bookmark your website and keep checking for brand new data. πασχαλινές λαμπάδες
I’ve not too long ago started a weblog, the data you present on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for your whole time & work. 온라인슬롯사이트
Nice post. I discover some thing more challenging on diverse blogs everyday. Most commonly it is stimulating to read content from other writers and use a little something from their site. I’d prefer to use some while using content on my own weblog regardless of whether you do not mind. Natually I’ll provide link on your internet weblog. Many thanks sharing. 슬롯사이트추천
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new surveys are added- checkbox and already when a comment is added I get four emails with the exact same comment. Will there be in any manner you can remove me from that service? Thanks! เว็บแทงบอล
The next occasion Someone said a blog, I really hope so it doesnt disappoint me about this place. What i’m saying is, Yes, it was my method to read, but I actually thought youd have something interesting to convey. All I hear is a number of whining about something you could fix should you werent too busy searching for attention. พนันบอลออนไลน์
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Actually rarely will i encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you may have hit the nail for the head. Your idea is outstanding; the catch is something which too little everyone is speaking intelligently about. We are very happy we stumbled across this within my look for some thing regarding this. 출장안마
Thanks for the great post on your blog, it really gives me an insight on this topic.~`;-: 출장안마
I’ve not too long ago started a weblog, the data you present on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for your whole time & work. 메이저파워볼사이트
Nice post. I discover some thing more challenging on diverse blogs everyday. Most commonly it is stimulating to read content from other writers and use a little something from their site. I’d prefer to use some while using content on my own weblog regardless of whether you do not mind. Natually I’ll provide link on your internet weblog. Many thanks sharing. 온라인파워볼사이트
I am glad to be one of several visitants on this great web site (:, regards for posting . Shea butter
Good blog! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day! organic haircare
Air conditioners are one of the most important things you will find in any type of building in any city nowadays. It is one of the most widely used pieces of equipment in hotels, offices, shopping malls, industrial plants, Internet cafes and homes. It's hard to imagine these places having no air conditioning units key Jun88 tv
The first few days of a kitten's life are vital in helping it feel safe and contented around the people caring for him. Regular handling and comforting words at the kitten's early stage increases the chances of it becoming a loving, well-balanced cat. This is also the perfect time to make sure that it does not associate human hands with play toys. Let it play with toys and set aside your hands for holding. Jun88v1
Breeding and genetics play a role in your cat's temperament. Of course, your cat does not have to be a pure-bred to be an aristocrat in its manners. A good disposition is not elite to pedigrees, as all loving owners of friendly cross-breeds know. Conversely, some cat breeds are more known for their friendly temperaments. The Bombay cat, for instance, is noted for its affectionate, playful nature on the Cat fanciers' website. บริการแสดงความคิดเห็นในบล็อก
This will be a terrific blog, would you be interested in doing an interview about just how you developed it? If so e-mail me! ลิงก์ย้อนกลับมายังไซต์ของฉัน
Also, in the 1990s the full inclusion movement gained a lot of momentum. This called for educating all students with disabilities in the regular classroom. I am also very familiar with this aspect of education as well, as I have also been an inclusion teacher from time to time over my career as an educator on both sides of the isle as a regular education teacher and a special education teacher. 내 사이트에 대한 백링크