The New Orleans Saints will get their first road test of the season against the Carolina Panthers after squeaking out a 16-15 win over the Tennessee Titans in week one. The Saints will be looking for some revenge this season against the Panthers after Carolina swept the season series in 2022. New Orleans will have the opportunity to go 2-0 if they can pull out a victory on Monday night and get ahead in the NFC South race with a divisional win against Carolina.

New Orleans Defense Rises to Occasion Against Titans

Marshon Lattimore intercepts Ryan Tannehill's pass

Saints CB Marshon Lattimore (23) – New Orleans Saints

The Saints defense was the story in the 16-15 win at home against the Titans in the season opener. New Orleans forced quarterback Ryan Tannehill to three interceptions on the game, and they were also able to get after the quarterback. The Saints defense was able to get to Tannehill three times. New Orleans also didn’t allow the Titans to find the end zone throughout the game.

One of the main stories for the Saints’ defense going into that matchup was how their defensive line would fare against running back Derrick Henry. Henry finished the game with 15 carries for 63 yards on the ground and added two catches for 56 yards through the air. The Saints’ defense was able to keep New Orleans ahead for most of the game as the offense struggled to find any momentum.

Saints Offense Struggles in the Season Opener

New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr checks over to the sideline

Saints QB Derek Carr (4) – Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

There was a lot of excitement in the offseason surrounding this Saints offense with the offseason additions that were made to revamp this roster. With running back Alvin Kamara being suspended for the first three games of the season, Jamaal Williams stepped in as the RB1 for the Saints. The Saints offensive line struggled to hold their line throughout the game as New Orleans couldn’t find any movement on the ground.

Quarterback Derek Carr had his moments in his debut for the black and gold as he finished the game with 305 passing yards and a touchdown, along with an interception before the half. Seeing Michael Thomas back on the field was refreshing for Saints fans to see, and the wide receiver core didn’t disappoint against the Titans. Chris Olave led the way for that position group, and we also saw Rashid Shaheed make the game-sealing catch to move the Saints to 1-0 on the season.

New Orleans will now focus on a road test against the Panthers on Monday night. New Orleans offense’s main key going into this matchup against Carolina will be to find their identity in the running game to be able to open up the passing game against a talented Carolina defense.

Know Your Foe: Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) works in the pocket against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Panthers QB Bryce Young (9) – John Bazemore/AP Photo

The Carolina Panthers are coming off a tough road loss to the Atlanta Falcons in week one, 24-10. Carolina was able to see first-overall pick Bryce Young make his regular-season debut. Young didn’t fare well, as he was picked off twice by safety Jessie Bates. The Panthers’ offense struggled to push the ball down the field and had to rely heavily on their running game against Atlanta. Running back Miles Sanders finished the contest with 18 carries and 72 yards, while Chuba Hubbard had nine carries for 60 yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, Carolina’s defense was able to hold quarterback Desmond Ridder in check, but the Falcons were able to find success in the running game. Running back Tyler Allgeier was the leading rusher for Atlanta, as he finished the game with 15 carries for 75 yards. Rookie Bijan Robinson also was effective on the ground, as he had ten carries for 56 yards in his debut.

Carolina will be hoping that they can bounce back against the Saints in week two, but they will be without one of their top cornerbacks, Jaycee Horn. Two other Panthers are listed on the injury report leading up to Monday night’s game, including wide receiver DJ Chark and offensive tackle Taylor Morton. Carolina’s rush defense will be a concern moving forward as they take on the Saints on Monday night.

The Panthers were able to control this series last year as Carolina swept the season series. In the first meeting last year, Carolina took down the Saints, 22-14 at home and they were able to hold on to a 10-7 victory in New Orleans.

Prediction: Saints 24, Panthers 13