Panthers-Saints: Pregame observations

NEW ORLEANS -- Most of the pregame intrigue will focus on whether Panthers kicker John Kasay will play today. We'll get a hint early: Kickers usually come out early to warmup. So we'll let you know what we see. Nothing official until about 2:45, though. Kasay is questionable with a groin injury. Fullback Brad Hoover (ankle), safety Charles Godfrey (ankle), receiver Muhsin Muhammad (knee) and tight end Dante Rosario (knee) didn't make the trip.

-- The Saints defense took a hit when it lost starting tackles Kendrick Clancy and Sedrick Ellis to injury for today. That might bode well for what the Panthers do best: Run the ball. But Carolina's run game needs to replace the loss of Hoover (ankle) and possibly rookie backup Tony Fiammetta (concussion).

-- Don't get to feeling comfortable if the Panthers break out to an early lead. The Saints rallied from a 24-3 deficit against Miami two weeks ago and won 46-34. The Atlanta Falcons went ahead 7-0 after driving for an early touchdown on their first possession last Monday night, but the Saints went on to a 35-27 win.

-- Let's get out of here! Hurricane Ida is reportedly gaining strength south of here and will enter the Gulf of Mexico later today. It's actually supposed to weaken before it gets to the Gulf Coast and New Orleans is not included in the hurricane watch area. Still, they are understandably keeping a close eye on it around here. Heavy rain is expected at some point. That dome might come in handy. -- David Scott