Comparing Saints Defense to SF Defense and our future games with Panthers

While I'm not too concerned with the Panthers' offense, I think the defensive rankings need to be looked at a little bit more than just yardage given up.

The passing defenses are similar as the Saints allow an average passer rating of 75.5 to the 49ers 73.1. You could argue the Saints played better quarterbacks (the best QBs the 49ers faced - Rodgers, Luck, Wilson - their teams scored 28, 29, and 27 points).

But the rushing defense is a bigger gap than you would think. The 49ers give up an average of 3.9 yards per carry. The Saints give up 5.0 yards per carry... tied for worst in the league (with KC).