Photo by: Stephen Lew
The New Orleans Saints kicked off their 2024 season with a commanding 47-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers at the Caesars Superdome, putting the rest of the NFC South on notice. After a rollercoaster of a season last year, the Saints showed up with a statement performance in all phases of the game, handing Carolina one of its most lopsided losses in recent memory.
First Half Dominance
The Saints wasted no time establishing their dominance, scoring on their first six possessions and building an overwhelming 30-0 lead by halftime. Quarterback Derek Carr, entering his second season with New Orleans, was near-perfect in the first half, throwing for 121 yards and three touchdowns. He connected with wide receiver Rashid Shaheed on a 59-yard bomb to open the scoring, then followed that with a pair of touchdown passes to tight ends Foster Moreau and Juwan Johnson.
New Orleans' offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak debuted as the play caller, and his game plan was masterfully executed. The Saints mixed in a well-balanced attack of passing and rushing plays, with Carr utilizing the deep ball and short, methodical passes to spread out Carolina’s defense.
On the ground, Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill kept the Panthers' front seven off balance, combining for nearly 100 yards in the first half alone. Kamara’s ability to find gaps in the defense, paired with Hill’s power-running style, made it nearly impossible for Carolina to regain any momentum.
Carolina’s Struggles
Meanwhile, the Panthers offense, led by second-year quarterback Bryce Young, looked overwhelmed from the start. Young’s first throw of the season resulted in a turnover, as Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor intercepted a badly overthrown pass. Young struggled under pressure all game, finishing the first half with just 50 passing yards and two interceptions. The Panthers managed only 193 total yards for the game, 41 of which came on the ground, as their offense sputtered against a relentless Saints defense.
Young’s protection was shaky, as New Orleans unleashed blitzes from all angles. Taylor emerged as a defensive star, collecting three sacks and constantly applying pressure. With the Panthers’ passing game stalled, Carolina tried to lean on their rushing attack, but Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders were limited to short gains.
Second Half Wrap-Up
New Orleans didn't let up in the second half. Early in the third quarter, Carr connected with wide receiver Robert Williams for a 38-yard pass that set up another touchdown, extending the Saints' lead to 34-0. Carr finished the game completing 19 of 23 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns before being pulled midway through the fourth quarter with the game well in hand.
Defensively, the Saints continued to dominate, allowing Carolina only one meaningful drive late in the game. Bryce Young scrambled for a 3-yard touchdown, putting the Panthers on the board, but by then, it was far too late. The Saints’ defense forced two turnovers and held the Panthers to just 58 rushing yards on 20 carries.
In the end, New Orleans racked up 180 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while also amassing 364 total yards of offense. Carolina simply had no answers on either side of the ball.
Looking Ahead
This victory serves as a promising start for the Saints, signaling that they are primed to put last season's struggles behind them. With a balanced attack, a solidified defense, and standout performances from key players like Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, and Alontae Taylor, the Saints look ready to compete for the top spot in the NFC South. The Panthers, on the other hand, have plenty to fix as they head into Week 2, but New Orleans showed just how dangerous they can be when everything is clicking.