The New Orleans Saints are perched at a promising 2-0 record, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2013. Last season, Carolina used two different starting quarterbacks to defeat the Saints in both matchups. Fast forward to Monday night, and the Saints returned to Carolina, but the stakes were just as high this time. ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcasted the showdown, as fans nationwide tuned in to see if the Saints could avenge their two losses from last year.
However, despite the favorable outcome, the Saints’ performance left much to be desired, particularly on the offensive front. In this post, we delve into the key takeaways from Monday’s game, analyzing the bright spots and the areas needing improvement for the Saints moving forward.
Pass Protection Remains an Issue
Pass protection woes continue to linger for the New Orleans Saints, mirroring their challenges in the season opener against the Tennessee Titans. Once again, second-year left tackle Trevor Penning was under relentless pressure for a considerable portion of the game, a concern that was ultimately addressed as the game progressed.
In a game where every snap counts, the Saints’ coaching staff made crucial adjustments, recognizing the need to provide Penning with additional support to navigate the demands of his role as a left tackle. This decision reflected a commitment to nurturing Penning’s talent and potential in the long run.
Penning, a former first-round draft pick, possesses immense promise as a contributor to the team’s success. However, he is currently a work in progress, adjusting to the rigors and complexities of NFL-level pass protection. The Saints are banking on his development, but the need for immediate improvement in this area remains a pressing concern as they aim to maintain their winning momentum.
Lack of Production in the Red Zone Continues
The New Orleans Saints’ red zone struggles persist, echoing the challenges faced in their Week 1 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Once again, the Saints’ offense found itself in the red zone against the Carolina Panthers, and once again, they struggled to capitalize on these opportunities.
The Saints secured two touchdowns in four separate drives into the red zone, but they had to settle for a pair of field goals on the other occasions. While converting field goals is a reliable way to accumulate points, a contending team’s ultimate aspiration is to consistently put up seven points when they find themselves in red-zone territory.
The inability to consistently convert red-zone possessions into touchdowns can cause concern, especially when facing tough opponents down the line. As the Saints look to fine-tune their offensive efficiency, maximizing their red-zone productivity will undoubtedly be a focal point moving forward.
Better Performance from the Running Game Compared to Week 1
While not reaching spectacular heights, the New Orleans Saints rushing game showed marked improvement compared to their Week 1 performance. Facing off against the Carolina defense, the running back corps demonstrated a commendable level of productivity.
Collectively, the group managed to amass 134 yards on the ground, punctuated by two crucial touchdowns. Quarterback Taysom Hill exhibited his dynamic dual-threat capabilities by amassing an impressive 75 yards on nine carries, leading the charge in this revitalized ground attack. His contributions were complemented by the efforts of teammates Tony Jones Jr. and Jamaal Williams, who combined for 63 rushing yards and added two touchdowns to the scoreboard.
However, the promising performance was tinged with concern as Jamaal Williams left the game prematurely due to a hamstring injury. Presently, there is no definitive timetable for his return, adding an element of uncertainty to the Saints’ running back rotation.
With uncertainty surrounding Williams and the absence of rookie running back Kendre Miller due to injury, the Saints find themselves in a precarious situation regarding their running back depth. Adding to the complexity is the looming return of star running back Alvin Kamara from his three-game suspension, leaving the team just one more game before his comeback.
As the Saints assess their running back situation, swift action and strategic decisions will be crucial in maintaining a balanced offensive approach and capitalizing on the newfound momentum in their rushing game.
Another Stellar Performance by the Saints’ Defense
Once again, the New Orleans Saints’ defense delivered a stellar performance, solidifying their place among top-tier NFL teams like the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys. In the past, the Saints had been susceptible to rookie quarterbacks having breakout games against them. However, facing off against Bryce Young, they showed remarkable resilience this time.
The Saints’ defense demonstrated their prowess by sacking Young four times, causing a pivotal turnover, and limiting him to 153 passing yards. The relentless defensive effort made it abundantly clear that the Saints are not an easy target for emerging quarterbacks.
As the season unfolds, it’s evident that the Saints’ defense is poised to elevate their game even further. Their schedule includes matchups against several young signal-callers, providing ample opportunities for the reason to continue making an impact and solidify their reputation as one of the league’s premier defensive units.
Wide Receiver Trio Continues to Emerge
The New Orleans Saints’ wide receiver corps once again demonstrated their efficient productivity on the field. Chris Olave, in particular, showcased his prowess by leading all Saints wide receivers for the second consecutive week. Olave hauled six receptions for 86 yards, confirming his status as a reliable target in the passing game.
Notably, Michael Thomas, who has been on a path to recovery from a series of injuries dating back to 2020, displayed promising progress. Thomas contributed significantly with five receptions, amassing a total of 55 yards. His resurgence on the field is a welcome sight for the Saints and their fans.
In addition to the established talents, Rashid Shaheed is making strides to establish himself as a dependable weapon within the Saints’ passing attack. Shaheed’s growth and contributions will likely be closely monitored as the season unfolds, as the Saints aim to maintain a well-rounded and effective aerial assault.
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