Saints will start rookie Terron Armstead at LT

The New Orleans Saints have decided to start rookie left tackle Terron Armstead on Sunday afternoon against the Carolina Panthers, according to Larry Holder.

Head coach Sean Payton talked about making changes to the lineup after being embarrassed by the St. Louis Rams last weekend, and now he is following through. Armstead is replacing Charles Brown, a fourth-year pro out of USC.

Last week, Drew Brees was under duress throughout the game. Brees was sacked four times and hit on a number of other occasions. Robert Quinn, who was lined up against Brown for most of the contest, had two of the sacks and likely prompted Payton's decision to make the switch.

Armstead will have his hands full next week, squaring off against perhaps the best defense in football. Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson are two of the best defensive ends in football, creating all sorts of issues up front. The winner of this game will be leading the NFC South and the race for the No. 2 seed with only one game left.