The Carolina Panthers suffered one of the worst season openers in NFL history, losing 37-3 to the New Orleans Saints. The team, which made significant offseason improvements under new head coach Dave Canales, had high hopes after a dismal 2-15 record last season. Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed quickly.
Quarterback Bryce Young, the first overall pick, struggled from the start. His first pass of the season was intercepted, setting the tone for the game. Young threw another interception to open the second half, missing a wide-open Adam Thielen.
What are the Panthers doing man?
pic.twitter.com/UXBZTXiBmN— Barstool NOLA (@BarstoolNOLA) September 8, 2024
The Saints capitalized on both turnovers, scoring touchdowns and widening their lead to 37-3.
The Panthers’ defense had no answers, allowing the Saints to score on all six of their first-half possessions. The Saints quarterback, Derek Carr, threw for 200 yards and three touchdowns, facing little pressure from Carolina’s defense. The Panthers didn’t cross midfield until the final minute of the second quarter, settling for a field goal just before halftime.
Back to work after the half pic.twitter.com/uDOLWGbqT6
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 8, 2024
Despite some second-half improvements, including Young’s first career rushing touchdown, the Panthers’ offensive woes continued. Young finished 13-of-30 for 161 yards, two interceptions, and a passer rating of 32.8, his career-low. Backup Andy Dalton took over in the final two minutes.
The defense was equally ineffective, allowing the Saints to rack up 180 rushing yards and scoring on nine of their possessions. Panthers defenders, including rookie linebacker Trevin Wallace, were flagged for penalties that negated rare moments of offensive promise.
Even special teams faltered, with a blocked punt late in the fourth quarter adding further insult to injury. Rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders’ holding penalty nullified a key play, further highlighting the team’s numerous mistakes. The 37-point loss ranks among the fourth-worst defeats in Panthers history, trailing only blowouts in 2000, 2002, and 2019.
This crushing loss leaves the Panthers searching for answers as they prepare for the remainder of the season.
