The Carolina Panthers fell into an unfortunate start to their 2023 season, tripping on a 24-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday. But this time, they’ll be looking to chalk up a win in their second divisional matchup.
So, for that to happen, here are four smaller matchups they’ll need to lock up against the New Orleans Saints on Monday night:
Panthers QB Bryce Young vs. Saints DC Joe Woods
Young had a bit of a rough outing in his debut last week in Atlanta. That “not good” start was headlined by a pair of interceptions to safety Jessie Bates III and showed he’ll have to do a better job of recognizing disguised coverages moving forward.
Woods is going to throw everything he’s got at the rookie quarterback and do his best to create confusion. Young will need to have a clean game and keep away from the turnovers in order to take home the first win of the season.
Panthers CB Donte Jackson vs. Saints WR Chris Olave
In what’s become an all-too-familiar scene, standout cornerback Jaycee Horn went down with another injury—this time to his hamstring—and will be out for an extended period of time. So in his place steps Donte Jackson, who may be drawing the tough matchup of wideout Chris Olave.
If the Panthers want to keep the stud second-year pass catcher down, especially after he went for 207 yards and a score against them last year, Jackson will have to step up as the temporary No. 1 corner.
Panthers Gs Cade Mays and Chandler Zavala vs. Saints DL
Carolina is entering Week 2 with backups starting at both offensive guard spots—fielding Cade Mays on left and Chandler Zavala on the right. And since this young duo hasn’t gotten the chance to prove much in this league yet, the offense could have itself quite the mystery on the interior of the line.
New Orleans is sure to isolate and attack both of these inexperienced players. If they can’t hold up and prevent interior pressure into Young’s face, this game could be a disaster early.
Panthers ILBs vs. Saints RB Jamaal Williams
Last week’s struggles of both Shaq Thompson and Frankie Luvu went a tad understated. The Falcons were able to attack through the middle due to a handful of missed tackles, poor angles and lacking coverage.
Both inside backers are considered strengths of this defense, and they are going to need to play like it on Monday in order to shut down Williams. If Williams is able to dice up that part of the field, the Saints could play keep-away and dictate the pace of the game.
