What We Learned From the Saints In Week 2

It wasn't all pretty, but the Saints found a way in Charlotte to knock off the Panthers. Here's everything we learned from New Orleans in Week 2.

CHARLOTTE -- The Saints picked up their first Week 2 win since 2018 after knocking off the Panthers 20-17. They're also 2-0 for the first time since 2013. The defense has set a new franchise record with 10 consecutive games holding opponents to 20 points or less. Cam Jordan told me after the game that that streak doesn't count because it was another defense, which is a good mentality to have.

What We Learned From the Saints In Week 2

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

RED ZONE OFFENSE STILL NEEDS SOME WORK

Things looked better in the second half, but the red zone execution leaves a lot to the imagination. We've been hoping to see a fade to Jimmy Graham or the back shoulder to Michael Thomas, but it's just not there yet. In the same breath, the Blake Grupe decision looks great.

PASS PROTECTION, DECISION-MAKING HAS TO GET BETTER

Derek Carr ended up getting sacked four times again. I don't know that I'd put it all on the offensive line, but there were some plays Carr clearly would have wanted back in this game. Overall, the execution needs to tighten up, and it could come in time. It's easier to correct things when you're 2-0 versus being on the other side of the coin.

TAYSOM HILL IN THE RUN GAME WORKED WELL

Taysom Hill had 9 carries for 75 yards, averaging 8.3 yards/carry. He helped move the sticks a good bit and also completed a pass for 8 yards. Hill even took a pitch out of the backfield that worked well. We didn't see a lot of him in the first game against the Titans, whether that was by design or not is questionable. However, Hill reinforced how important he can be to this offense. He'll be in the mix for it again next week.

THE RUNNING GAME HAS SOME QUESTION MARKS

Jamaal Williams looks like he might miss some time with the hamstring injury, but we'll see. I'm told Kendre Miller is expected to be back next week against the Packers, and Alvin Kamara will return to the team after the game. The Saints have one roster spot open still, and Tony Jones Jr. might be more involved along with Kirk Merritt. There's a lot to figure out here now.

THE TRIPLETS ARE MAKING IT HAPPEN

Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, and Rashid Shaheed are doing a really nice job out there, which is probably a vast understatement. In particular, Thomas looks pretty impressive. This was the player we saw in training camp, and it's clear that he is feeling like himself. On the other hand, what else can you saw about the second-year guys? Olave made some spectacular catches, and Shaheed came up with a huge play when it was needed most to go along with his other work. This should be very encouraging for Saints fans.

THIS DEFENSE COULD BE SOMETHING SPECIAL

This isn't an overreaction. The New Orleans defense has been pretty stellar for a bit, and aside the late touchdown to the Panthers, they look like they could carry this team where they ultimately want to go. They're getting pressure and the tackling is good. They have four takeaways already through two games when they had 14 all of last season. Once the offense gets things going, watch out.