New Orleans, LA — Derek Carr and the New Orleans Saints’ revamped offense made an immediate impact, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive and putting up 30 points in the first half during their dominant 47-10 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Carr threw for three touchdowns, leading the Saints to score on their first nine possessions. The performance marked a spectacular debut for new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, whose game plan resulted in the highest point total the Saints have ever achieved in a season opener.
“That was a fun way to start the season,” Carr said. After facing boos from fans in the Superdome last season, Carr was greeted with enthusiastic applause this time. “They really supported us today. It felt great.”
Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams each contributed rushing touchdowns, while kicker Blake Grupe made four field goals, including two from over 50 yards. Kamara, who finished with 83 rushing yards and 27 receiving yards, celebrated his 50th game with over 100 yards from scrimmage.
“The changes we made are already showing their impact,” Kamara noted. “I’ve been here long enough to know what success feels like, and today was a great example.”
The Panthers, who had a dismal 2-15 record last season, revamped their front office, coaching staff, and roster in hopes of improvement. However, the season opener under new head coach Dave Canales and second-year quarterback Bryce Young proved to be a disaster.
“The margin of the loss is significant, but at the end of the day, it’s still just one loss,” Canales said. “We need to focus on moving forward and not dwell on the score.”
Young completed 13 of 30 passes for 161 yards and was intercepted twice by safeties Will Harris and Jordan Howden. He was also sacked four times, including three by defensive back Alontae Taylor and once by linebacker Demario Davis.
Carr was efficient, going 19 of 23 for 200 yards. His standout play was a 59-yard touchdown pass to Rashid Shaheed on the opening drive. Carr also connected with tight ends Foster Moreau and Juwan Johnson for touchdowns of three and 16 yards, respectively. Johnson’s touchdown put the Saints up 30-0 before the Panthers managed their first points on a field goal just before halftime.
Johnson also disrupted a Johnny Hekker punt, which traveled only 11 yards and set up the Saints at the Panthers’ 36-yard line. Williams’ 14-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter capped off the scoring.
Young’s lone touchdown came on a three-yard scramble in the third quarter.
“This game doesn’t define us,” Young said. “There’s a long season ahead.”
In a historic performance, Taylor became the first defensive back in franchise history to record three sacks in a single game.
“That’s just Week 1,” Taylor said confidently. “There’s plenty more to come. I was told as I was coming off the field, ‘Sacks get you paid just like interceptions do.’”
Saints head coach Dennis Allen, who oversees the defense, praised Taylor’s aggressive play and speed. “It’s one thing to call a blitz, but the player has to be ready to take on the physical challenge,” Allen explained. “Taylor’s willingness to confront that noise is what makes him effective.”
UP NEXT:
Panthers: Plays the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday at Home.
Saints: Visit Dallas on Sunday.
