3 Reasons For The Saints Victory Over Panthers

The New Orleans Saints used three components to defeat the Panthers on Monday Night Football.

The New Orleans Saints defense, Chri Olave's brilliance, and rushing attack dominated the Carolina Panthers to win 20-17. The NFC South foes relied on tremendous defensive efforts in the first half as the Saints led 6-3 at halftime. Carr was 13/26 for 102 yards, an interception, and a 44.1 rating in the first half. His counterpart, first-overall draft pick Bryce Young, connected on 8/13 passes for 66 yards and a 74.5 quarterback rating. However, Carr found a way to guide his team to the win in the second half.

SAINTS DEFENSE

Joe Woods' defense dominated the Panthers on their first six possessions before intermission:

1. 31 yards - FG
2. 4 yards- Punt
3. -3 yards- Punt
4. 22 yards - Punt
5. 16 yards - Fumble
6. 3 yards - End of Half

The Panthers offense mustered just 88 total yards on 11:53 minutes. New Orleans created one turnover in the first half as defensive end Carl Granderson strip-sacked Bryce Young. By the end of the game, the Panthers offense generated 239 yards and held the football 27:11 minutes. New Orleans gave up 62 and 75 yards to Carolina on their final two possessions.

Dennis Allen said, "Any team that can rush the passer with four and be effective with pressure on the quarterback, that's a recipe for success in our league."

1. New Orleans had four sacks (Maye, Davis, Granderson, and Shepherd); 6 OB Hits; 5 TFL; 2 Passed Defended
2. Created turnovers: Carl Granderson - 1 FF; Paulson Adebo - Fumble Recovery

Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Tony Jones Jr. (34) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

SAINTS RUSHING ATTACK

New Orleans was able to move the football with nine carries and 29 yards from Jamaal Williams, four rushes for 24 yards from Taysom Hill, and two totes for six yards from Tony Jones Jr. Williams exited the game for the Saints locker room in the 2nd quarter with a hamstring injury.

Tony Jones Jr. was on the practice squad, elevated last week, and registered two touchdowns. He added 12 carries for 34 yards on Monday Night Football. Taysom Hill had nine rushes for 75 yards.

Once Pete Carmichael focused on rushing the football up the middle on Carolina, New Orleans controlled the game's tempo - and it paid off.

Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts with wide receiver Chris Olave (12) in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

CHRIS OLAVE'S BRILLIANCE

The young wideout is excelling and building confidence with Derek Carr. Olave's one-handed 42-yard catch on 3rd-and-7 in the 3rd quarter was the spark plug the team needed to get them out of the rut. It eventually led to the first Tony Jones Jr. touchdown for the Saints to go up 13-9 with 5:34 left in the quarter.

Olave was targeted 11 times and caught six passes for 86 yards. Without Olave, Carr's only steady option was Thomas, who had seven catches and 55 yards.

The Saints are 2-0, along with the Falcons and Buccaneers in the NFC South. It was a pretty win, but they showed resilience with a knowledge the offense can depend on the rushing phase if the passing game is down. New Orleans will visit Green Bay on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 1 PM ET.