The last time the Panthers faced the Saints, things didn’t just go sideways - they stalled out completely. Carolina’s offense was held to a whisper in that 17-7 loss in Charlotte, with Bryce Young throwing for just 124 yards and tossing a costly fourth-quarter interception. The run game wasn’t much help either, grinding out just 73 yards on 23 carries - a meager 3.2 yards per attempt.
As Carolina prepares to head into the Superdome for the rematch, there are three critical areas to watch if the Panthers hope to flip the script and come out of New Orleans with a win.
1. Third and Fourth Down Execution
This is where the Saints quietly separate themselves. Despite their up-and-down season, New Orleans has been elite on third downs, allowing conversions just 35.5% of the time - good for sixth-best in the NFL. That strength was on full display last week in Tampa Bay, where the Bucs managed to convert just 3 of their 13 third-down opportunities.
In their previous meeting with Carolina, the Saints allowed just 3 conversions on 10 combined third and fourth-down attempts. That’s a tough hill to climb, especially for a Panthers offense still trying to find its rhythm.
But there is a silver lining for Carolina. When it comes to fourth down, they’re among the most aggressive teams in the league - and they’re efficient too.
The Panthers rank second in total fourth-down attempts and fifth in conversion rate at 70%. If they can get into manageable fourth-down situations, they’ve shown they can keep drives alive.
That might be their best shot at staying on the field against a defense that doesn’t give up much.
2. Jalen Coker: Young’s Emerging Go-To
Since returning from injured reserve, Jalen Coker has quietly become a clutch target for Bryce Young, especially in high-leverage moments. The chemistry between the second-year wideout and his quarterback was on full display in the Panthers’ upset win over the Rams, when Coker hauled in a 33-yard touchdown on a gutsy fourth-down call.
He followed that up with a solid performance in the overtime win at Atlanta, catching four passes for 52 yards. With defenses starting to key in on rookie standout Tetairoa McMillan, Coker could find himself in more favorable matchups - particularly if the Saints decide to stack the box to slow down the Panthers’ run game.
If Carolina wants to stretch the field and loosen up New Orleans’ defense, Coker’s ability to win one-on-one and make contested catches could be a difference-maker.
3. The 200-Yard Threshold
Here’s a stat that jumps off the page: when opposing quarterbacks throw for more than 202 yards against the Saints, their teams are undefeated - 6-0 to be exact. In New Orleans’ 10 losses this season, quarterbacks have averaged over 214 passing yards per game.
That’s a far cry from the 124 yards Young managed in the previous matchup. If the Panthers are going to pull off a road win, Young doesn’t just need to be better - he needs to be significantly more productive through the air.
This isn’t about airing it out for 400 yards, but getting over that 200-yard mark seems to be a clear tipping point against this Saints defense. Whether it’s through quick-hitters, play-action, or taking deep shots to loosen things up, Young will need to push the ball downfield and keep the chains moving.
Bottom line: if Carolina wants to avoid another offensive letdown, it starts with staying on the field - and that means winning on third and fourth down. It means leaning into the emerging connection between Young and Coker.
And it definitely means pushing Bryce Young to hit that 200-yard benchmark. The Saints’ defense is tough, especially at home, but the blueprint is there.
The question is whether the Panthers can execute it.