The 2024 NFL season is finally here, igniting a wave of excitement as the NFL season kicks off. Fans are buzzing with anticipation to see how their teams perform after a long offseason. The journey to reclaim NFC South dominance for the New Orleans Saints begins with a Week 1 showdown against division rivals, the Carolina Panthers. Both teams are eager to make an early statement, with the Saints aiming to set the tone under their veteran leadership, while the Panthers, led by a promising young core, hope to prove they can compete. With division implications on the line from the start, this matchup promises to deliver plenty of drama and intrigue. In this Saints Week 1 preview, here are the three matchups that will be key to a Saints victory.
Saints Eye A Fast Start In NFC South Battle With Panthers
Establish the Run
The New Orleans Saints focused on revamping their offense in the offseason to address the lack of big plays and improve their average of 23.6 points per game. Dennis Allen made a change with his offensive staff, letting go of longtime coordinator Pete Carmichael and hiring Klint Kubiak. This will be the first significant offensive change for the Saints since the hiring of Sean Payton in 2006. Kubiak’s scheme derives from the Shannahan system, which focuses on establishing the run to set up play action and explosive plays in the passing game. Specifically, superstar running back Alvin Kamara will be crucial to the offensive success of the Saints. It will be necessary for Kamara to set the tone early as they will be key to securing the Week 1 victory.
Generate Pressure
The Saints enter the 2024 season with extremely high expectations for their defense. Their star-studded group includes Pro Bowlers Demario Davis, Cameron Jordan, and Tyrann Mathieu, as well as up-and-comers Pete Werner, Paulson Adebo, and more. They added to their defense this offseason through free agency with the signings of linebacker Willie Gay Jr. and defensive end Chase Young. No free agent signing brought more energy or excitement than Young. He joined the Saints after an adversity-filled 2023, where he was traded from Washington to San Francisco and came up short in a Super Bowl victory. Young brings youth and explosiveness to a defensive line that has been lacking. Generating pressure and causing havoc for second-year pro Bryce Young will be key to securing the Week 1 victory for the Saints.
Keep The Carr Protected
The offensive line has been a major point of emphasis for the team and fans alike. The Saints used their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft to select Taliese Fuaga, a stud offensive tackle out of Oregon State. However, Fuaga will play left tackle after spending his entire college career at right tackle. As a result, this switch is due to the disappointment of the 2022 first-round pick, Trevor Penning. Penning has had a rough start to his career. He has dealt with multiple injuries while making the leap from FCS Northern Iowa to the NFL. He will also be switching from his natural position of left tackle to the right side. The Saints will enter their Week 1 matchup with three new starters on the offensive line. It will be vital for the Saints to protect quarterback Derek Carr to ensure their victory over the Panthers.
Main Photo: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
