Saints scratch LB Fujita, Panthers sit Delhomme again
| SCOUTING REPORT |
Saints still looking for their first winWhile the Carolina Panthers are coming off a disappointing home loss to Tampa Bay, the New Orleans Saints are trying to figure out how to regain the form that took them to the 2006 NFC championship game. The Saints are coming off a bye week, which usually gives a coaching staff an advantage in preparing for an upcoming opponent, but the Saints may have a bigger problem than just being prepared. Both organizations appear to be underachieving given their personnel and 2007 expectations. Carolina coach John Fox has his back against the wall and second-year coach Sean Payton is searching for a way to stop the bleeding in what should be an intriguing NFC South contest. |
· Full Scouting Report 
|
| Matchup |
| | W-L | PF | PA | HOME | ROAD | DIV | CONF |
| CAR | 7-9 | 267 | 347 | 2-6 | 5-3 | 3-3 | 7-5 |
| NOR | 7-9 | 379 | 388 | 3-5 | 4-4 | 3-3 | 6-6 |
| · Complete Standings |
| | New Orleans Passing | | | CMP% | YDS | TD | INT | | Brees | 68.1 | 2746 | 22 | 9 |
|
| | New Orleans Rushing | | | CAR | YDS | AVG | TD | | Thomas | 105 | 584 | 5.6 | 5 | | Bell | 115 | 514 | 4.5 | 4 |
|
| TEAM AVERAGES & NFL RANKS |
| TEAM OFFENSE | TEAM | PER GAME AVERAGE |
| Total Yards | CAR | 285.0 |
| NOR | 361.0 |
| Yards Passing | CAR | 170.9 |
| NOR | 269.6 |
| Yards Rushing | CAR | 114.0 |
| NOR | 91.6 |
| TEAM DEFENSE | TEAM | PER GAME AVERAGE |
| Yards Allowed | CAR | 324.8 |
| NOR | 348.1 |
| Pass Yds Allowed | CAR | 214.1 |
| NOR | 245.3 |
| Rush Yds Allowed | CAR | 110.7 |
| NOR | 102.9 |
| HEAD TO HEAD MATCHUPS (SINCE 2001) |
| Carolina leads 8-6 |
| Dec 31, 2006 | CAR 31, NOR 21 |
| Oct 1, 2006 | CAR 21, @NOR 18 |
| Dec 18, 2005 | CAR 27, NOR 10 |
| Sep 11, 2005 | CAR 20, @NOR 23 |
| Jan 2, 2005 | CAR 18, @NOR 21 |
| Dec 5, 2004 | CAR 32, NOR 21 |
| Oct 26, 2003 | CAR 23, NOR 20 |
| Oct 5, 2003 | CAR 19, @NOR 13 |
| Dec 29, 2002 | CAR 10, NOR 6 |
| Nov 10, 2002 | CAR 24, @NOR 34 |
| Dec 2, 2001 | CAR 23, NOR 27 |
| Oct 14, 2001 | CAR 25, @NOR 27 |
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NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme will miss his second straight game with a sore elbow Sunday against the Saints after not practicing all week.
David Carr, as expected, got his second straight start in Delhomme's place.
New Orleans starting strong-side linebacker Scott Fujita will miss the first regular season game of his career.
Fujita, in his sixth NFL season, sprained his right ankle during the Saints' Monday night loss to Tennessee in Week 3. He dressed for practices on Thursday and Friday but continued to be limited.
It was the latest blow to an already beleaguered defense that has yet to allow fewer than 31 points in any of its first three games. Veteran Brian Simmons got his first start for the Saints in place of Fujita.
Both teams announced roster moves Sunday. The Panthers signed running back Alex Haynes from their practice squad and waived tight end Marcus Freeman. New Orleans brought up linebacker Marvin Mitchell from its practice squad and waived third-string quarterback Tyler Palko.
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Carolina 16, 
New Orleans 13