Who Are Saints, Panthers Defensive Players To Watch in Week 10 NFC South Clash?

When the New Orleans Saints travel to Charlotte for their Week 10 divisional matchup with the Carolina Panthers, both teams will be looking to generate momentum through their defenses. The Saints’ offense has struggled to find consistency, while Carolina’s young front has shown flashes despite inconsistent results. These are the defenders who could swing Sunday’s outcome.

Derrick Brown continues to anchor Carolina’s interior front and remains one of the league’s most underrated defensive linemen. At 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, Brown has been a steady force against the run and quietly ranks among the NFL leaders in total snaps for interior defenders. He commands frequent double-teams and rarely gives ground, plugging interior gaps while disrupting backfield timing.

Against a Saints offense that ranks near the bottom of the league in rushing efficiency and time of possession, Brown’s presence could dictate the flow of the game. His ability to penetrate the A-gaps and collapse the pocket will force New Orleans’ offensive line to commit additional blockers inside, limiting their ability to provide help on the edge.

Chase Young has emerged as a catalyst for the Saints’ pass rush. He’s posted a pass-rush win greater than 20% over the last month and is beginning to look like the explosive edge rusher he was drafted to be. His first-step quickness and ability to convert speed to power will test a Carolina offensive line that’s been inconsistent in protecting its quarterback.

If the Saints can create early-down stops and force the Panthers into passing situations, Young’s impact will grow. His ability to shorten the quarterback’s clock and disrupt rhythm throws could be the difference between a long drive and a turnover.

While Brown draws most of the attention, A’Shawn Robinson provides valuable support beside him. Robinson plays with heavy hands and a strong base, allowing Carolina to stay stout in short-yardage situations. He played nearly half of the team’s defensive snaps in Week 9 and continues to rotate effectively as a run-stuffing defensive tackle.

For the Panthers to control the trenches, Robinson must capitalize on opportunities when Brown faces double teams. Look for him to attack the B-gap with leverage, win early at contact, and force the Saints’ interior linemen to play with better pad level than they’ve shown in recent weeks.

Alontae Taylor remains one of the more versatile young corners in the NFC South. He’s shown growth in both pass coverage and as a blitzer, even recording three sacks in a single game against Carolina last season. Taylor’s physicality at the catch point and willingness to play downhill as a run defender make him a valuable chess piece for the New Orleans defense. 

Expect Taylor to match up frequently against Carolina’s top slot receiver, and provide the occasional surprise pass rush out of the slot. If he maintains discipline and technique through the entire route tree and is quick to recognize play action, he can change possessions with one timely play.