The New Orleans Saints rolled to a rollicking 47-10 season-opening victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome, the team's sixth consecutive opening victory, the best active streak in the NFL.
But this win also marked the coming-out party for the new Saints offense under first-year coordinator Klint Kubiak. The Saints scored on their first nine possessions - five touchdowns and four field goals - while displaying excellent balance and a much-improved rushing attack. The 47 points is the most the Saints have ever scored in a season-opener. The consecutive drives with a score streak appears to be the longest since 2000.
Star running back Alvin Kamara carried 15 times for 83 yards with one touchdown while Taysom Hill added 35 yards rushing. Quarterback Derek Carr was sharp, going 19 of 23 for 200 yards and three touchdowns. Jamaal Williams had the second rushing touchdown of his Saints career, a 14-yard scamper in the fourth quarter. The big play was there with a 59-yard touchdown pass to Rashid Shaheed as was the power rushing attack (180 yards rushing). Second-year quarterback Jake Haener entered and played the final 6:51.
It was Kamara's 50th game with at least 100 yards from scrimmage.
Saints' Defense Shines
The defense was just as impressive, forcing three turnovers, sacking Carolina quarterback Bryce Young four times and in general making his life miserable. Defensive back Alontae Taylor had three sacks (all on blitzes; he is the first Saints defensive back to ever have three sacks in a game) while linebacker Demario Davis had the other. Safeties Will Harris and Jordan Howden had interceptions while safety Tyrann Mathieu forced and recovered a fumble.
Special Teams Unit Makes Impact
The special teams units looked sharp too, as kicker Blake Grupe made four field goals, including a career-best 57-yarder, Shaheed had a 47-yard punt return and the Saints partially blocked one of Johnny Hekker's punts (tight end Juwan Johnson had the block). Punter Matthew Hayball didn't have his first punt until 4:40 was left.
Panthers Struggle in Opener
The Panthers, who finished with a 2-15 record last season, made changes within their football operations, coaching staff and roster in hopes of a better season. But this first game could not have gone worse for new coach Dave Canales and second-year quarterback Bryce Young.
Young completed 13 of his 30 passes for 161 yards and threw two interceptions. The Saints also got a turnover when Tyrann Mathieu forced a fumble by receiver Jonathan Mingo before recovering the ball himself.
Looking Ahead
The Saints will look to improve to 2-0 next Sunday with a noon kickoff in Dallas against the Cowboys.
A Dominant Performance
Derek Carr completed three touchdown passes and the New Orleans Saints scored on their first nine possessions to defeat the Carolina Panthers 47-10 on Sunday. The Saints had a potent rushing attack led by Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams, who both scored rushing touchdowns. The team's success was further amplified by Blake Grupe's four field goals, including two from beyond 50 yards, all part of a triumphant debut for the new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak. The Saints' offensive performance showcased balance, while the defense delivered a strong performance, recording three turnovers and four sacks, all adding up to a resounding victory in the season opener.
