Last meeting
Running back Shaun Alexander rushed for 135 yards and three touchdowns in a 21-7 Seahawks victory at New Orleans on Sept. 12, 2004.
Streaks
The Seahawks lead the overall series, 5-4, and have won the last three.
Last week
The Panthers scored 10 points in the fourth quarter, including three on John Kasay's 53-yard field goal as time expired, to beat the Saints, 16-13, and keep them winless. ... The Seahawks were steamrolled, 21-0, at Pittsburgh in a rematch of Super Bowl XL.
At stake
The Saints, who entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations, still seek their first win of the season. ... The Seahawks are in a first-place tie with, get this, the Arizona Cardinals atop of the NFC West.
Key matchup
Saints RB Reggie Bush vs. Alexander. Neither running back has played up to expectations. Bush, in his first start after Deuce McAllister was lost for the season with a knee injury, rushed for only 67 yards, but he did have nine receptions for 52 yards. Bush will have another opportunity to prove wrong those who say he can't run between the tackles in the NFL after having done so effectively at USC. Alexander will start life without fullback Mack Strong against the Saints. Third-year fullback Leonard Weaver will take over as Alexander's lead blocker.
