The New Orleans Saints (1-1) will head east to take on the Carolina Panthers (0-2) as they look to bounce back after a home loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 20-10. The Saints will finish out a three-game stretch against NFC South opponents before they travel across the pond in week four.

New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers Game Information:

Current Records: New Orleans Saints (1-1) @ Carolina Panthers (0-2)

Date/Time: September 25th @ 12 p.m. CT

Where: Bank of America Stadium; Charlotte, NC

Where to Watch: FOX (Commentators: Play-By-Play Dan Hellie, Analyst Matt Millen)

Spread: Saints (-3.0)

New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers Series History:

New Orleans have won five out of the last six meetings against Carolina. The Saints swept the season series in 2019 and 2020. The black and gold lead the all-time series against the Panthers, 28-26. The last meeting in Carolina was in week two of the 2021 season where the Panthers rolled the Saints, 26-7.

Previewing the New Orleans Saints Heading into Week Three:

The Saints will look to get back on track after Tampa Bay was able to end their losing skid against New Orleans in the Caesar’s Superdome last Sunday. There are still question marks of who will suit up for New Orleans on Sunday when they take on the Carolina Panthers.

Nine Saints were listed on Wednesday’s injury report heading into this weekend’s matchup against the Panthers. The notables were Alvin Kamara, Paulson Adebo, Ryan Ramczyk and Jameis Winston. It was reported that Adebo and Kamra were both at practice yesterday in full pads. Winston was limited at practice as he is still suffering from four fractures in his back and an ankle injury.

Winston, if he is on the field, will look to have a bounceback game after throwing three interceptions (all coming in the second half). The offense was held in check by Tampa Bay’s defense for the entirety of the game. The Saints were able to drive down the field on their opening drive to put points on the board, but never found the endzone until late in the fourth quarter.

Defense Found Success Against Tampa Bay, But Turnovers Proved Costly

New Orleans outgained Tampa Bay in total yards of offense (308 total yards to 260 total yards), but turnovers proved to be costly. The Buccaneers returned one of Winston’s interceptions for a touchdown as they put the game out of reach.

The Saints defense was able to have an effective game plan on Tom Brady. They were able to shut the Buccaneers out in the first half. Tampa Bay was able to find their rhythm against the Saints defense as turnovers committed by New Orleans offense didn’t do the defense any favors. The Saints defense will look to have a better outing than they did last time when they faced Carolina at Bank of America Stadium.

Scouting the Saints Opponent: Panthers

The Panthers will face their first NFC South opponent of the 2022 season. Carolina is coming off losses to the Cleveland Browns (26-24) and the New York Giants (19-16). Carolina’s offense is averaging just 20 points per game through the first two weeks of the season.

Carolina is led by Baker Mayfield at quarterback who has 380 yards, two touchdowns and an interception on the season. The offense have been looking for answers as Mayfield has struggled to push the ball downfield to Robbie Anderson and D.J. Moore.

The Saints rush defense will have to defend one of the best running backs in the league in Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey is coming off a 15 carry, 102 yard performance against the Giants in week two. The star running back received his weekly Wednesday off for non-injury related reasons.

The defense for the Panthers had success the last time this two teams met in Charlotte. Carolina’s defense was able to force two interceptions. They held the Saints offense to 128 total yards of offense on the day. It could be a recipe for success for the Panthers if they are able to create more turnovers and give their offense the short field.

A key injury for Carolina is cornerback Donte Jackson was listed on the Panthers injury report heading into this weekend’s matchup. Jackson was limited at practice on Wednesday after suffering a hamstring injury against the Giants in week two. The good news for Carolina is that Jackson was the only player on the injury report.

Prediction for New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers:

This has all of the making for a defensive slugfest with the way the two offenses for the Saints and the Panthers have been playing in the first two weeks of the season. If Kamara isn’t able to go for New Orleans then they will once again have to turn to Mark Ingram to be the lead back for them.

Winston will have to have a clean game for the Saints to be able to get a road victory against Carolina. It will be a recipe for disaster if New Orleans isn’t able to establish an effective run game so that way the Saints don’t become one dimensional on offense.

The Saints defense will have to rise to the occasion to stop the Panthers rushing attack led by Christian McCaffrey. The secondary will have challenges with the deep threat potential of D.J. Moore and Robbie Anderson. Getting pressure to Baker Mayfield will be key for the black and gold defense. If they are able to bring pressure it will force Mayfield to commit bad throws. Expect this one to be a grind it out game until the end between these two NFC South teams.

Prediction: New Orleans Saints 21, Carolina Panthers 17

Photo Credit - Canal Street Chronicles & Sports Illustrated

Tyler Eschette - Sports Scramble/ Olde City Sports Network