Saints 'Back to the Future' X-Factor Against Panthers

A surprising offseason reunion might also be a secret weapon in Monday night's matchup between the Saints and Panthers.

The New Orleans Saints try to improve to 2-0 when they face their NFC South rival, the Carolina Panthers, on the road in Monday Night Football. Carolina comes in at 0-1 after an opening week road loss to the Atlanta Falcons. New Orleans slipped by the Tennessee Titans at home in Week 1 by a 16-15 score.

Including one postseason matchup, won by the Saints, this is the 58th meeting between these divisional foes. It's been an evenly fought series, with New Orleans holding a 29-28 all-time edge. When playing in Carolina, this series is tied 14-14. However, the Panthers have won the last two games here and three of the last four overall. 

There are plenty of new faces on each team, especially on offense, which includes QBs Derek Carr and Bryce Young. Several New Orleans veterans are also very familiar with this rivalry. Cameron Jordan, Marshon Lattimore, Demario Davis, Ryan Ramczyk, Erik McCoy, and Michael Thomas have all played key roles in games against the Panthers over the years.

One Saints veteran has been away from these matchups for awhile, but made a surprising return to New Orleans this offseason. If you're reaching for an X-Factor for this game, the oldest player on either roster might provide just that. 

Jimmy Graham, TE

Oct 30, 2014; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) with the ball against the Carolina Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

After not playing in 2022, Graham returned to New Orleans this offseason for his 13th NFL season and his sixth with the Saints. He started his career with the team as a third-round draft choice in 2010 out of Miami, Fla.

Playing sparingly as a rookie, Graham caught 31 passes for 356 yards but established himself as a red-zone threat with five touchdowns. Over the next four years, he looked worthy of a sure-fire Hall of Fame career. 

Graham averaged 89 receptions for 1,099 yards and caught 46 touchdowns for the Saints between 2011-1014 before being traded to the Seattle Seahawks. He left as a fan favorite, leaving most to wonder what he could have ultimately accomplished had he remained with QB Drew Brees in coach Sean Payton's offense. 

Graham set single season franchise records for receptions (99 in 2011), touchdown catches (16 in 2013), and receiving yards for a tight end (1,310 in 2011). In only 78 games with the team, Graham is still second in career touchdown receptions (51), while ranking sixth in franchise history for catches and receiving yardage. 

Jimmy Graham tortured NFC South foes while with the Saints. Perhaps none more so than the Carolina Panthers, who his team faces tonight. Over nine games against the Panthers while with New Orleans, Graham had 56 receptions for 700 yards and 8 touchdowns. In five games at Carolina, where they play tonight, he averaged six catches for 81 yards while scoring four touchdowns and hauling in 64% of his targets. 

Oct, 9, 2011; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) breaks a big play against the Carolina Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY

At 36, Graham isn't the same player we saw dominate the league a decade ago. He played just nine snaps in the Week 1 win over the Tennessee Titans and will likely be a situational player most of this season. However, Graham could still present a matchup problem for the Panthers secondary. 

Carolina comes into this game without injured CB Jaycee Horn. A shorthanded Panthers secondary must also contend with Thomas, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed, who combined for 18 receptions and 263 yards against the Titans.

Saints starting TE Juwan Johnson will also be a big part of the game plans through the rest of the year. Johnson has been dealing with a calf injury this week. He returned to practice in full duty on Friday, but if limited could lead to more snaps for Graham and fellow TE Foster Moreau.

New Orleans also had serious pass protection issues against Tennessee. Now facing a Panthers pass rush that includes Brian Burns and Justin Houston, the Saints may employ more multiple tight end packages with an extra blocker to help protect Derek Carr. 

With Johnson, Graham, and Moreau, the Saints have a quality trio of receiving tight ends that makes them a passing threat even in jumbo packages. Look for the team to show more of those looks this evening in an effort to create mismatches against the Carolina linebackers.

Dec 8, 2013; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) after a catch against the Carolina Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY

Graham isn't the Hall of Fame caliber weapon he was earlier in his career with the Saints, but he doesn't have to be. He's still 6'7" and 259-Lbs., has great hands, runs good routes, and expertly uses his body to shield defenders in traffic. His size presents problems for most defensive backs, while his route precision is a mismatch against linebackers.

Jimmy Graham won't be one of the Saints' primary weapons against the Panthers. This passing game will revolve around the wideout trio of Olave, Thomas, and Shaheed along with Johnson. We also know that Derek Carr has targeted his tight ends in crucial moments throughout his career. 

Don't be shocked if Graham has an opportunity to make some plays against a division rival he used to dominate, giving Saints and Panthers fans two different types of "Back to the Future" flashbacks on Monday Night Football.