After a dominating defensive performance against the Buffalo Bills, the Carolina Panthers regressed heavily on Sunday. The most disappointing outcome, however, was the lethargic display by the Panthers run defense. Despite holding LeSean McCoy to 12 yards a week prior, the Panthers allowed 149 rushing yards to the Saints.
The Panthers outstanding run defense versus Buffalo was the combination of sound fundamentals and excellent gap integrity. The inverse of that performance took place on Sunday. The Saints deserve credit, though. They were able to manipulate the gaps by placing an emphasis on presnap motion.