Charlotte, NC – The New Orleans Saints’ overall play through two games this season has been aesthetically pleasing where it needs to be most: New Orleans is 2-0 after a 2-0 victory. 20-17 over Carolina Monday night at Bank of American Stadium.
New Orleans is undefeated after two games for the first time since 2013 as for the second straight game the Saints were overall outstanding defensively, solid on special teams and timely on offense. The chance to improve to 3-0 will come Sunday, in a road game against the Packers in Green Bay, Wisconsin, at Lambeau Field.
OFFENSE: New Orleans improved its efficiency in the red zone by scoring touchdowns on half of its four opportunities, but the offense was inconsistent throughout the first half and part of the second until she finally finds her place. The running game improved significantly from Game 1 to Game 2, with 134 yards and two touchdowns on 33 carries. Taysom Hill (nine carries for 75 yards) and Tony Jones Jr. (12 carries for 34 yards and two touchdowns) led the way, and quarterback Derek Carr had two huge completions – 42 yards to Chris Olave. and 45 to Rashid Shaheed – in the third and fourth quarters when the Saints needed a big play. But pass protection remains a concern (Carr was sacked four times) and Carr (21 of 36 for 228 yards and an interception) made a bad decision about his choice.
