Who Dat Dish
Fansided

3 bold predictions for Saints in Week 1 against Panthers

The New Orleans Saints start their season against the Carolina Panthers, and several players will have the chance to make big statements out the gate.

By Jaleel Grandberry

Dec 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs against Carolina Panthers defensive end Henry Anderson (94) during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Dec 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs against Carolina Panthers defensive end Henry Anderson (94) during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit

The season gets started for the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, with a home game against the Carolina Panthers. New Orleans is hoping to finally find its way back to the postseason, after missing the playoffs the last three years. The easiest way to do that is by winning the NFC South; the team can take a step in that direction with a divisional win on Sunday.

If the Saints are going to accomplish anything this season, they’ll need their key players to deliver like the key players they are. That means big performances and consistency all throughout the year. New Orleans’ stars can get that started on Sunday, and they have the perfect opponent to do it against.

While the ultimate goal is a win, let’s take a look at three bold predictions for Sunday’s game against Carolina.

3. Alvin Kamara will rush for over 100 yards

Believe it or not, Alvin Kamara didn’t have a 100-yard rushing game in 2023. The most he rushed for in a single game last season was 80 yards. Coincidentally, the last time he ran for over 100 yards in one game was in the Week 18 loss to the Carolina Panthers in the 2022 season.

Facing off against the Panthers again, Kamara should get back to the century mark. However, this has nothing to do with Carolina. It’s about offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak wanting to run the ball, the offensive line being a better run-blocking unit than a pass-protecting group, and Kamara wanting to have a bounce-back season, despite recent comments that make it seem like he’s checked out.

The Saints will try to establish a downhill offensive identity on Sunday, and that’ll result in a big day for Alvin Kamara.

2. Saints won’t give up any sacks

Hey, these are bold predictions, and this is definitely the boldest. New Orleans’ pass protection very well could be the downfall of the team, and it’s certainly the biggest stress factor entering the season. Still, the Saints could emerge from the game without giving up a single sack.

The team did that just once last season: Week 9 against the Chicago Bears. However, it’s a possibility for Week 1 because New Orleans understands the pass protection is a weakness. That means the team will do things like running the ball and getting the ball out fast to negate the pass rush. If the Saints can do both of those things well, Derek Carr will be able to stay off the ground.

1. Chase Young will have at least two sacks

On the other side of the ball, New Orleans will be trying to get Bryce Young down to the ground. The addition of Chase Young should help with that. If the veteran defensive end plays anything like he did throughout training camp and the preseason, he’ll be in the backfield a lot.

Young recorded more than one sack just twice last season, but he’s healthier than he was a year ago, and he looks like he’s on track to be even more productive as well. With other talented players on New Orleans’ defensive line, Young should have the opportunity to make some noise.

READ MORE

feed

Home/Saints News