When the New Orleans Saints defeated the Carolina Panthers 47-10 in Week 1, vibes were incredibly high. The defense looked dominant, the offense was explosive, and fans predicted many more wins. However, since that game, New Orleans and Carolina have both gone 1-6.
Now, both teams will meet on Sunday as two of the worst teams in the league. Despite this reality, the Saints still believe they can turn their season around. If they’re going to do that, it’ll start with a big win on Sunday. For that to happen, New Orleans will need a few big performances.
3. Alontae Taylor needs to thrive against Panthers
Alontae Taylor needing to thrive in Week 9 has nothing to do with the Panthers; Carolina’s offense doesn’t present many challenges. Instead, this is about Taylor’s performance in Week 8, and him having a bounce-back game.
All season, Taylor has been one of New Orleans’ best players. He had a down game against the Los Angeles Chargers, though. Taylor gave up a 60-yard touchdown, which ended up being a game-changing play. There were also a few other plays for him to make that he didn’t.
To show this was a one off, Taylor needs to respond with a quality performance.
2. Saints need Chris Olave to thrive in Week 9
The only thing that has been able to slow Chris Olave down this season has been health. When he’s been on the field, he’s been playing at an elite level, catching 31 of 43 targets for 387 yards and one touchdown. He hasn’t been featured as much in the offense as he should be, but that’s likely to change moving forward.
The wide receiver room in New Orleans has been decimated by injuries. With Rashid Shaheed out for the year, and Bub Means and Cedrick Wilson Jr. both dealing with injuries, Olave should be targeted a lot. He has to be ready to deliver.
1. Derek Carr needs to thrive for the Saints in Week 9
Derek Carr returns from injury in a tough spot, because New Orleans has been horrible without him. Somewhat justifiably, the Saints have repeatedly expressed that it’s hard to overcome your starting quarterback being injured. While true, that creates an expectation for when the starter is back on the field.
Carr is on track to be back on the field on Sunday, and the expectation is a big difference from what the Saints displayed the last three weeks. If Carr can’t lead the offense to a solid performance— against the Panthers of all teams —New Orleans will be out of excuses.