The Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints clash in a highly anticipated NFC South showdown in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season. Both teams enter the season with playoff aspirations and intriguing storylines.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) greets Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) after their game in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Can Bryce Young and the Panthers Offense Improve in 2024?
The Panthers are banking on the development of second-year quarterback Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Young endured a challenging rookie season, leading the league in several negative statistical categories, including QB win percentage, passing yards per attempt, and passer rating.
Young’s Statistical Struggles as a Rookie
| Category | Stat | NFL Rank |
|---|---|---|
| QB W-L | 2-14 | Last |
| Comp Pct | 59.8 | 31st |
| Pass YPG | 179.8 | 31st |
| Pass Yds/Att | 5.5 | Last |
| Pass TD-INT | 11-10 | 29th |
| Passer Rating | 73.7 | Last |
| Sacked | 62 | 31st |
The Panthers’ offense as a whole struggled mightily, finishing last in both total offense and points per game. Carolina averaged a dismal 12.6 points and 4.1 yards per play, ranking dead last in the NFL.
Offseason Additions Aim to Provide Support
To bolster the offense and support Young’s development, the Panthers made significant changes during the offseason. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales was hired as head coach, bringing a new offensive philosophy to Carolina.
The Panthers also added several key offensive players, including wide receiver Diontae Johnson (acquired via trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers), left guard Damien Lewis, and right guard Robert Hunt (both signed in free agency). Additionally, the Panthers used their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select wide receiver Xavier Legette. However, second-round pick, running back Jonathon Brooks, will miss at least the first four games due to a torn ACL.
Can Derek Carr and the Saints Build on 2023’s Strong Finish?
After missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, the New Orleans Saints are determined to reclaim their spot atop the NFC South. Quarterback Derek Carr enters his second season in New Orleans hoping to build on the team’s strong finish to the 2023 season.
Saints’ Late-Season Surge
The Saints stumbled out of the gate in 2023, starting the season with a disappointing 5-7 record. However, they turned things around dramatically in the latter half of the season, winning four of their final five games.
| Category | Week 1-13 | Week 15-18 |
|---|---|---|
| W-L | 5-7 | 4-1 |
| PPG | 21.4 | 29.0 |
| PPG Allowed | 21.3 | 14.4 |
| Turnover Diff | +4 | +7 |
| Sack Diff | -8 | +7 |
Carr’s performance mirrored the Saints’ overall improvement. After a relatively pedestrian start to the season, Carr caught fire in the final four games, leading the NFL with 12 touchdown passes and only one interception.
Continuity and Consistency Key for Success
The Saints boast a talented roster, led by running back Alvin Kamara, wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, and tight end Taysom Hill. Defensively, the Saints feature a formidable unit anchored by defensive end Cameron Jordan, linebacker Demario Davis, and safety Tyrann Mathieu.
Key Matchups to Watch
Bryce Young vs. the Saints Defense: Young will face a stiff test against a Saints defense that ranked top 10 in scoring defense, takeaways, and opponent third-down percentage in 2023.
Derek Carr vs. the Panthers Secondary: Carr will look to exploit a Panthers secondary that lost several key players during the offseason, including cornerback Donte Jackson and edge rusher Brian Burns.
Panthers Offensive Line vs. Saints Defensive Line: The battle in the trenches could decide the outcome of the game. The Panthers revamped offensive line will be tasked with protecting Young against a Saints defensive front that features Cameron Jordan and Chase Young.
Conclusion
The Week 1 matchup between the Panthers and Saints is brimming with intrigue and has the potential to be a high-scoring affair. Both teams have something to prove, and the outcome could have significant implications on the NFC South race.
