The New Orleans Saints kicked off their 2024 season in dominant fashion, routing the Carolina Panthers 47-10 in a game that left no doubt about who was in control. From the first snap, the Saints overwhelmed the Panthers, giving their home fans at the Caesars Superdome plenty to cheer about as they made an emphatic statement to open the year.
The Saints came out blazing, with quarterback Derek Carr wasting no time in leading the offense down the field. On just the fifth play of the game, Carr connected with Rashid Shaheed for a spectacular 59-yard touchdown, setting the tone for what would be a long night for Carolina’s defense.
Carr finished the game with 200 yards passing, completing 19 of 23 throws, including three touchdown strikes. His leadership and connection with his receivers, including Shaheed and tight ends Foster Moreau and Juwan Johnson, showcased a new-look Saints offense that looked ready to take the league by storm. The Saints' 47 points marked a franchise record for a season opener and reflected just how explosive this team can be.
While the offense grabbed the headlines, the Saints' defense also delivered a stellar performance. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young struggled throughout the game, throwing for just 161 yards and two interceptions. Alontae Taylor led the defensive charge with three sacks, becoming the first Saints defensive back to accomplish such a feat in team history.
New Orleans capitalized on Carolina’s mistakes, turning turnovers into quick points. Safety Tyrann Mathieu forced and recovered a fumble from rookie Jonathan Mingo, while safeties Will Harris and Jordan Howden each snagged interceptions. The Saints’ defense consistently gave Carr and the offense prime field position, setting the stage for their dominant performance.
By halftime, the Saints had already built a commanding 30-3 lead, and any hopes of a Panthers comeback were quickly dashed when Young threw another interception on the opening drive of the second half. New Orleans’ relentless attack continued, with Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams each rushing for touchdowns, while kicker Blake Grupe nailed four field goals, including two from over 50 yards.
“This was a fun way to start the season,” Carr said after the game. "We’ve worked hard for this, and the crowd was behind us every step of the way. It’s just great to come out with a win like this."
For the Panthers, it was a nightmarish start to the season. Carolina, fresh off a disappointing 2-15 campaign in 2023, made several key offseason changes, including hiring new head coach Dave Canales and revamping the roster. But those changes were quickly overshadowed by a Saints team firing on all cylinders. Young’s lone highlight came late in the third quarter when he scrambled for a three-yard touchdown, but by then, the game was far out of reach.
"This doesn’t define us," Young said postgame. "It’s a long season, and we’ll learn from this."
The Saints, on the other hand, left the Superdome feeling confident as they turn their attention to next week’s clash against the Dallas Cowboys. With a powerful offense and a defense capable of creating havoc, the Saints are poised to make a serious run this season.
For the Panthers, the road ahead doesn’t get any easier as they prepare to host the Los Angeles Chargers, hoping to shake off a rough start and find their footing. But for now, New Orleans reigns supreme in the NFC South after a stunning opening performance.
Up Next:
Saints: Travel to Dallas to face the Cowboys in Week 2.
Panthers: Host the Chargers, aiming to regroup after the heavy defeat.
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