Carolina Panthers (0-2) – New Orleans Saints (2-0): 17-20
Bryce Young’s first career victory (22/33, 153 yards, 1 TD) will continue to wait. For his second outing, the number one in the 2023 Draft was put under almost constant pressure by the Saints defense.
In these conditions, he missed a few passes and lost a fumble. With him, Carolina’s entire attack struggled, with only 239 yards in total. The Panthers didn’t find the end zone until far too late. Young connected with Adam Thielen (7 rec, 54 yards, 1 TD) for a touchdown then a two-point conversion with 1:16 to play. Enough to bring their team back three lengths, but the Saints covered the onside kick and ended the game straight away.
A defensive match and a flash from Chris Olave
There is nothing to brag about for the New Orleans attack either. Derek Carr (21/36, 228 yards, 1 int) were very well contained by Carolina’s solid defense. The quarterback conceded four sacks, and the squad produced only two field goals at the start of the match to lead 6-3 at the break.
It was Tony Jones (12 races, 34 yards, 2 TDs) who finally set foot in the end zone during the third quarter. A touchdown only made possible by a superb one-handed reception from Chris Olave (6 rec, 86 yards) earlier in the series, which seemed to finally give some life to the offense.
Jones and Taysom Hill shared the ground work after Jamaal Williams left with a sore hamstring. And it was Jones again who scored a little over three minutes from time to put his team away (9-20).
After their opening victory against the Titans, the Saints remain undefeated in 2023.
