As the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers open the season with a divisional showdown against each other, the biggest storyline on each side is very similar. Each team is looking to see what does their new look offense look like. Neither team’s play caller was on their sideline a year ago.
Dennis Allen brought in Klint Kubiak to be the Saints’ offensive coordinator, and the Panthers hired Dave Canales as their new head coach. Bryce Young and Derek Carr are looking for an improvement from 2023, and their play-callers will have a big part in that.
The slight variation comes in the influx of new players. Carolina is looking to see what their new scheme looks like, and also how will new players perform in Carolina?
Xavier Legette and Dionte Johnson are new at wide receiver. Adam Thielen remains, but his numbers should dip as he will likely not be the leading target. Carolina also made multiple additions on the offensive line. The Panthers have major personnel questions.
Outside of the offensive line, the Saints don’t have that question. The Saints have two wide receivers coming back who they believe in with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill figure to get more creative touches than we’ve seen in recent years. There’s talent at the skill positions on this offense.
Kubiak’s system feels primed to bring more production out of Kamara. Olave wants to improve his skills after the catch. The new offense should get him the ball in space to make it easier.
It’s the first game of the year and the first chance each team has to evaluate their new offense. Let’s see if they pass this first test.
