Admin September 8, 2024
The first week of the 2024 campaign brings us action between two NFC South rivals as the Carolina Panthers travel to the Caesars Superdome to face the New Orleans Saints.
The home side achieved a relatively solid season last term as they finished as the runners-up in the NFC South with a record of 9-8.
The Saints ended the 2023 campaign on a high as they were victorious in four of their last five games, including a colossal 48-17 win over divisional foes the Atlanta Falcons.
New Orleans will be focused on improving upon their previous season as they head into their third year under head coach Dennis Allen.
Their first test comes in the shape of Dave Canales’ Panthers, who should be an intriguing team to keep your eyes on.
The Panthers hope that new head coach Canales will be the answer to a much improved season after a dreadful, embarrassing and gutless outing in 2023 under Frank Reich.
Reich’s side only managed to muster up two wins in 17 games, comfortably labelling as the worst team in the NFL that term.
However, Carolina will be hoping that they transform into a more creative and inspiring unit this year, following a huge array of staff and player changes in the offseason.
Team News
Panthers:
Canales’ squad is looking bare in the tight-end spot for this fixture as his side will be missing the presence of both Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas. However, this does mean that 21-year-old rookie Ja’Tavion Sanders will receive plenty of game time as one of the weapons in quarterback Bryce Young’s arsenal.
Moreover, depth-piece offensive tackle Yosh Nijman is deemed ‘questionable’ after being limited in practice participation.
Saints:
The Saints have been particularly unlucky in the injury department as Jaylan Ford, Dallin Holker, D’Marko Jackson and Khalen Saunders have been ruled out of the game. A.T. Perry also looks unlikely to play after not participating in Thursday’s or Friday’s practice.
Willie Gay Jr and Nick Saldiveri are both ‘questionable’ like Carolina’s Nijman.
Marshon Lattimore and Pete Werner could see the field on Sunday after fully participating in Thursday and Friday’s practice sessions.
Players to watch
Panthers Quarterback – Bryce Young
The 2023 campaign was a rude awakening for the University of Alabama alumni Bryce Young. Young entered his rookie season with high expectations lumped onto his shoulders, as he was the first-overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. However, the 23-year-old struggled to impress spectators following a lacklustre season as the orchestrator on the field.
Despite failing to impress in his inaugural NFL campaign, much of the blame could have been laid on his then-coaching staff and supporting cast. Reich’s bland tactics, a spineless offensive line and receivers that struggled to get open on plays, all played a crucial role in Young’s lack of success. The 23-year-old was sacked for a shocking total of 62 times, highlighting the lack of time he had to scan the field and read the opposing defence. The quarterback was simply a shell of the player who led a dynamic Crimson Tide offense.
However, under an offensive coach in Canales, we could see a more confident, exciting and dynamic Young this term. After all, he has a fire in his belly with a point to prove. In fairness, he couldn’t do much worse than last season, and there is certainly an excellent player in there.
Saints Tackle – Taliese Fuaga
The New Orleans Saints had obvious weaknesses across their offensive line last year, which they addressed in the 2024 NFL Draft. They drafted tackle Taliese Fuaga from Oregon State University. Despite possessing the versatility to perform as a guard, Allen will train and play the 22-year-old as a tackle.
Fuaga will provide some much-needed power to the offensive line and specialises in the run-blocking game, which could allow running back Alvin Kamara to find more holes in the Panthers’ defence to exploit.
It will certainly be interesting to see if he can play a vital role in helping to protect Derek Carr throughout the match.
Head-to-Head
The last time these two foes faced off, it was a dominant display from New Orleans as they cruised to a comfortable victory.
The first quarter was rather lacklustre as both teams struggled to find their rhythm, which resulted in the game remaining scoreless.
However, in the second quarter, Allen’s men came alive and started to post some vital points on the board.
Eddy Pineiro’s field goal was good, to slash the deficit to just four points.
Kamara claimed the first touchdown before D’Marco Jackson capitalised upon a fumble to increase their lead to 14-3, heading into the half time.
In the third quarter, Pineiro scored the Panthers’ second field goal of the game to reduce the opposition’s lead to eight points.
However, short touchdown passes from Carr to Chris Olave and Jimmy Graham secured a commanding 28-6 win over their divisional rivals.
Where to Watch / When Will the Game Take Place
The game will take place on Sunday 08/09/2024 at the Caesars Superdome, New Orleans. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM EDT or 6:00 PM BST.
US viewers can watch the game on FOX, whereas British spectators can watch the match on DAZN’s NFL Game Pass.