The New Orleans Saints dominated the Carolina Panthers, 47-10, to open the season on the right foot during a Sunday matinee at Caesars Superdome. Behind a solid defensive outing that held Bryce Young and company under 200 yards, the offense was able to thrive as the Saints held an advantage for the entirety of the contest.
First half domination
New Orleans quarterback Derek Carr led the team from the very first snap, ending an opening drive with a 59-yard touchdown pass to Rashid Shaheed. On the first play of the ensuing series, Young threw an interception that defensive back Will Harris returned past midfield to set up a second Saints score, this time a career-long field goal for Blake Grupe from 57 yards out to make the score 10-0.
Following another defensive stop, New Orleans marched down the field in 11 plays where Carr found tight end Foster Moreau in the back of the end zone from three yards out, giving the Saints a 17-0 lead going into the second quarter.
Grupe added two more field goals as Carr found his other tight end, Juwan Johnson, from 16 yards out to make it 29-0. While Carolina managed to knock one through the uprights, a 47-yard punt return touchdown by Shaheed made it 30-3 at halftime. It was the most first-half point the Saints have ever scored in a season opener.
Second half poise
With a big lead through two quarters, fans around the Superdome were happy but not comfortable as they had watched their team too many times in 2023 start strong before relinquishing the lead. Under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, the Saints were able to avoid that being the case on Sunday.
Safety Jordan Howden picked off Young in the third quarter, setting up an offensive possession that ended with running back Alvin Kamara diving into the end zone to bring the lead to 37-3. While the Panthers would find the end zone on a three-yard run from Young, another field goal from Grupe plus running back Jamaal Williams getting in on the action provided plenty of insurance as the Saints wrapped up a 47-10 win.
What the coach said
Third-year head coach Dennis Allen, who is in desperate need of a redemption season, was pleased with his team’s performance but noted that more improvements need to be made if New Orleans wants to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
“I think we executed very well, but we need to keep guys grounded. This is one of seventeen games,” Allen said. “Let’s focus on things we need to improve on but enjoy the win. I felt like over the last couple of weeks, the guys were starting to get the feel for what we wanted to do. I think your ability to start fast and run the football makes the defense have to defend everything.”
Allen, who was hired after the departure of Super Bowl-winning and now-Denver head coach Sean Payton, has compiled a mediocre 16-18 record since accepting the job in New Orleans in 2022. He has had to overcome the retirement of future Hall of Famer Drew Brees at quarterback. That being said, Saints fans are ready to return to being a playoff contender, and it seems as if step one was hiring Kubiak to lead the offense.
The numbers never lie
Carr finished 19 of 23 passing with 200 yards, three touchdowns, and no turnovers. Kamara, Williams, and utility player Taysom Hill combined for 156 of the team’s 379 yards with two touchdowns on the ground.
Defensively, the Saints were led by Alontae Taylor’s six tackles and three sacks. Brandon native Demario Davis added another sack. As a unit, the defense forced three turnovers and held Carolina to 193 yards.
Next up
New Orleans will hit the road to play the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Sept. 15. Kickoff is set for noon CT.
