Saints vs. Panthers Preview: Four Keys for New Orleans to Keep Rolling
The New Orleans Saints (3-10) may not be in the playoff picture, but that doesn’t mean they’re out of the fight. With a chance to play spoiler and build momentum under rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, the Saints are eyeing a season sweep of the Carolina Panthers (7-6) this Sunday at the Caesars Superdome. New Orleans took the first meeting 17-7 back in November and has won four of the last five matchups in this NFC South rivalry.
So, what needs to happen for the Saints to keep that streak alive and notch a win at home? Let’s break down the four biggest keys heading into Sunday’s showdown.
1. Let Tyler Shough Keep Cooking
Tyler Shough is starting to look like more than just a placeholder - he’s looking like the guy. The rookie has been steadily improving since being handed the reins, and last week’s win over Tampa Bay was another step forward.
What stood out? His legs.
Shough isn’t just a pocket passer - he can extend plays, escape pressure, and pick up yards on the ground when things break down.
In the first meeting with Carolina, Shough completed 19 of 27 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns. That’s a clean, efficient performance - and the kind the Saints will need again if they want to grab his first win at the Superdome. The Panthers’ defense will likely try to force him into mistakes, but if Shough stays poised and continues to use both his arm and legs, the Saints' offense can keep humming.
2. Shut Down the Ground Game - Again
The blueprint for beating Carolina hasn’t changed: stop the run and make Bryce Young do the heavy lifting. In the first matchup, the Saints' defense - under coordinator Brandon Staley - executed that plan to perfection. Carolina managed just 73 rushing yards total, with Rico Dowdle held to 53 yards on 18 carries and Chuba Hubbard limited to a quiet 14-yard day.
That kind of performance needs to be replicated. Carolina comes in ranked 10th in the league in rushing, averaging 125.5 yards per game.
That’s their identity. If the Saints can bottle up that backfield duo again and put the pressure on Young to win it through the air, they’ll be in great shape.
It’s all about forcing the Panthers out of their comfort zone - and that starts by plugging the run lanes early and often.
3. Start Fast and Stay Aggressive
This Saints team isn’t built to play from behind. They need to set the tone early - just like they did last week when Mason Tipton ripped off a 54-yard kickoff return that set up a touchdown on the opening drive. That was only the second time all season New Orleans scored a first-quarter touchdown, but it made a difference.
A fast start allows the Saints to stay balanced and lean into the run game, which has quietly been a strength when given the chance. In all three of their wins this season, New Orleans has rushed for at least 88 yards. Against Buffalo, they racked up a season-high 189 yards on the ground - and even though they lost that one, they were in it until the fourth quarter.
The takeaway? If the game script allows it, the Saints can run the ball effectively. But that starts with playing from ahead - not chasing points.
4. Ride the Wave
No, the Saints aren’t going to win the NFC South. But that doesn’t mean they can’t shape how the division race finishes.
Carolina is clinging to a half-game lead over the Buccaneers after Tampa Bay’s Thursday night loss to Atlanta. That opens the door for the Saints to play spoiler - and maybe more.
Last week’s win over the Bucs was arguably the most complete performance of the Kellen Moore era. The offense clicked, the defense stood tall, and special teams delivered.
If New Orleans can stack another win this week, they’ll have a real shot at closing the season on a five-game winning streak. After Carolina, they host the struggling Jets before road games against the Titans and Falcons - all winnable.
Momentum is a real thing in this league, especially for a young quarterback and a team trying to build something for the future. A win on Sunday doesn’t just hurt Carolina’s playoff hopes - it could be the start of something meaningful for the Saints.
Bottom Line:
The Saints have already shown they can beat this Panthers team.
Now it’s about doing it again - with a rookie quarterback growing into his role, a defense that knows how to stop the run, and a team that’s finally starting to believe in itself. Sunday’s game might not have playoff implications for New Orleans, but it’s a chance to keep building, keep competing, and maybe - just maybe - close the year on a high note.