Saints at Panthers
By: Jake Rajala
The New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers have been a blood-bath over the past few seasons. Last season, the Saints demolished the Panthers by a score of 47-10 in their first meeting. In their second match-up, the Panthers won 23-22. The Saints are 3-2 over their past five meetings.
The Panthers have an improved Bryce Young, clearly. Young didn’t play overly impressive in their second meeting, as he threw for 171 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. I expect him to shine with his new weapon, Tetairoa, against a Saints secondary that no longer has Marshon Lattimore or Paulson Adebo. Alontae Taylor will move around, as he’s versatile and the best CB on the team. PFF believes that Kool-Aid McKinstry will be the most improved CB in 2025.
This game brings back a plenty of memories. Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly made some of their best performances against the Saints. As for the Saints, Drew Brees has shredded a Panthers secondary that could never get over the hump.
The Saints allowed Chuba Hubbard to run for 2 TDs and average 4.8 YPC. in their last battle. I don’t believe that will happen, as Demario Davis will always learn from his mistakes. Plus, the Saints drafted DT Vernon Braughton in the third round! He brings size (6’5, 315). He’s the perfect mold to stop the tush push, if it is ever used against them.
What do I expect from this showdown?
I don’t believe that either team will blow out the other. They have enough talent at RB to control the clock and excel in the red-zone. I’d love to see a dogfight and it come down to the last 2 minutes. The Saints should feel more confident in their kicker. The Saints kicker is 87.1% while the Panthers kicker is 84.6%.
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