After allowing an average of 43.3 points and 470 yards in their three games before a Week 11 bye, the Saints had seen enough. They let go of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, replacing him with senior defensive assistant and former Raiders head coach Dennis Allen.

The move worked. Sort of.

The Saints gave up "only" 24 points and 362 yards to the Texans last week. But a 14-0 first-quarter hole turned into their seventh loss of the season.

As the Panthers get ready for their trip to New Orleans this weekend, it's not like they have to prepare for a brand new scheme. But they could face a wrinkle or two they haven't seen previously from the Saints.

"They're in the transition stages of changing coordinators, so that presents a big question mark for us," quarterback Cam Newton said. "But we can't let that deter us from our preparation."

"You can change the makeup on a person, but they still are true to who they are."

Newton then listed some challenges the Saints present, including their "very athletic backend with long, rangy guys." But that makeup analogy works in a way he didn't necessarily intend.

You can change coordinators, but nearly three-quarters through the season, the Saints' defense will likely be what it's been. And who they are is arguably the worst unit in the league.

DEFENSE	PANTHERS (Rank/Avg)	SAINTS (Rank/Avg)
Points	3rd (18.6)	32nd (30.8)
Total Yds	2nd (312.5)	31st (418.6)
Rushing Yds	t2nd (88.7)	30th (134.5)
Passing Yds	5th (223.8)	31st (284.2)
1st Downs	3rd (18.1)	32nd (23.5)
Sacks	3rd (33)	20th (23)
INTs	1st (18)	29th (5)