The New Orleans Saints currently have two players, Chase Young and Carl Granderson, who are outperforming the entire Carolina Panthers defense with 15.5 combined sacks. Their opponent this Sunday only has 12 sacks across their entire defense, which is tied for worst in the entire NFL through nine weeks.
Heading into the game, Carolina has the worst sack rate in the NFL at 4%. Although their poor sack rate is not a new issue, as they ranked third-worst in that category last year. They attempted to address it during the offseason by signing linebacker Jaelan Phillips, but they've still somehow managed to take two steps back.
Nic Scourton led the team in pressures last season, but he tore his ACL on the first day of training camp. Phillips has dealt with injuries that have kept him from being both available and at full strength. This is setting up well for New Orleans.
Saints QB Tyler Shough could have his cleanest pocket in weeks
It is important to note that the Saints' offensive line is in flux, with center Erik McCoy set to miss several weeks with a bicep injury. Cesar Ruiz will cover for him while he's out, returning to his old college position, while rookie Jeremiah Wright will get another shot to start at right guard. Normally a terrifying proposition, going up against the league's worst pass rush is probably the best debut that this new-look interior can ask for.
Now, Tyler Shough has been sacked almost as much as any other quarterback in the league (20); however, that stat nor the shuffled O-line should provide the Who Dat Nation much worry. Following McCoy's late-game injury, the Saints offense got nearly a third of its total pass yards and rush yards (47 and 92), along with the team's only two touchdowns of the day. If they can capture that moment in a bottle and reuse it on Sunday, then Shough could have his cleanest pocket in weeks.
Even more encouraging for Shough is the fact that Carolina has also allowed a league-worst 9.1 yards per play on contested catches, something he and Chris Olave are sure to take advantage of. If the O-line can hold back the Panthers' pass rush even a little bit, then the two could really put on a show in front of the home crowd. All the duo would need is for the line to hold, and they can make the NFC South theirs.
Carolina's poor pass rush this season is a gift for New Orleans, who is on the verge of their first back-to-back wins in 2026. This game will decide the top team in the division; if the Saints' offensive line gives Shough enough time, the Panthers' defense will struggle to get through it.
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