The New Orleans Saints have been hit real hard by injuries so far this season, finally they've received good news on that front. Both Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey will play this Sunday when the Saints travel to Carolina. This is a pivotal game for the Saints because a win would make them 2-0 within the division. They beat the Buc's in the first game of the season and Tampa beat Carolina last Sunday.

Colston is arguably one of the top receivers in the league, he has terrific hands and great size. His big body allows him to stay in front of defenders or out jump them in the end zone. He's also a very good down field blocker which should help Reggie Bush when he catches balls in the flat and/or on swing passes out of the backfield.

Drew Brees was is already putting up MVP like stats without two of his main threats, if both players stay healthy he'll be that much more dangerous. It seems no matter who Brees has with him in the game, he's been able to find them open and is averaging over 300 yds passing a game. Brees is not only on pace to beat Marinos single season passing yards record but can shatter it if he averages 335 yds a game. Having Colston and Shockey back should make that much easier to accomplish.

Going into this game however the Saints will have to rely on Deuce to carry a heavy load. Tampa kept the Panthers D honest by running the ball right up the gut and Deuce is the type of runner to do that for them. I'm expecting to see the offense everyone thought they would be in the pre-season. Carolina will have their work cut out for them trying to contain Brees and the potent passing game of the Saints.

This will be the healthiest the Saints have been since the first game of the season. The only player listed as out is rookie DT Sedrick Ellis, who should be back after the bye week. The Saints have a long stretch away from home and getting a win here would go a long way to helping them string along a few wins in a row.

Carolina is no slouch and has played beyond expectations. QB Jake Delhomme has played very well up until last week. However some of those interceptions weren't his fault. They also have a 1-2 punch of their own in the backfield. RB's DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart work well together. Steve Smith has always given the Saints fits, he not only can burn you long but is extremely good at catching and then running with the ball.

However as a Saints fan and a homer I still think the Saints offense will be more than the Panthers D can handle. To many weapons, especially with Colston and Shockey returning. Theirs just to many guys for any one defense to cover and Brees will once again throw for over 300 yds.

Prediction : 28-24 Saints win.