The New Orleans Saints opened their season with a resounding 47-10 win against the Carolina Panthers, marking a strong start for head coach Dennis Allen and new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. This victory was particularly satisfying for Allen, who brought Kubiak on board to revamp an offense that hadn’t undergone major changes since 2006.
The Saints’ defense, directed by Joe Woods, put on an impressive performance, forcing three turnovers and limiting the Panthers to just 193 total yards in less than 23 minutes of possession. Meanwhile, the special teams excelled, with Blake Grupe converting all four field goal attempts, including a personal best of 57 yards, and Rashid Shaheed contributing a significant 47-yard punt return.
Safety Tyrann Mathieu highlighted the offensive dominance, acknowledging the unit’s strong contribution throughout the game. The offensive line, once a point of concern, performed well, with the running game featuring Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams, and Taysom Hill continuing to make strides. Quarterback Derek Carr showcased his efficiency, completing 19 of 23 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns, while also spreading the ball to eight different receivers.
Carr expressed pride in the team’s versatility, noting that five different players scored, emphasizing their multi-faceted approach. The rapid scoring from the Saints, who hit the end zone on their first nine possessions, was a rare achievement for the franchise.
Coach Allen praised the team’s ability to establish the run, which opened up more opportunities in the passing game. However, it’s important to note the context behind the victory; the Panthers were coming off a particularly challenging previous season, finishing with a league-worst record, and the Saints’ large margin of victory outstripped Carolina’s worst loss from last year.
Although first-year Panthers head coach Dave Canales aims to support quarterback Bryce Young’s development, the team still faces challenges, particularly with an offensive line that surrendered four sacks in the game. The Saints’ secondary, once seen as a potential weakness, surprised with interceptions that contributed to their scoring.
While no season opener is deemed a must-win, this game was crucial for the Saints as they gear up for a rugged stretch ahead, facing playoff teams including the Cowboys and the Chiefs in the following weeks. The Saints have now won their last six season openers, although it’s notable that this success hasn’t always translated into playoff appearances.
Kubiak said that the NFL season is a series of challenges that require consistency, and Kamara echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the goal for every game to dominate. With this opener, the Saints set a favorable tone for their season ahead.