MNF WEEK 2: GAME 1 – SAINTS @ PANTHERS

BY ADAM GREENE

In years past, we got a Monday Night Football doubleheader on opening week. For whatever reason, they decided to push that to Week 2. What none of us might understand is what they chose this particular game, the New Orleans Saints at the Carolina Panthers, as our doubleheader opener. I’m not sure this one would even be regularly featured on NFL Red Zone if it was a 1 p.m. kick off on Sunday. But, hey, I’m not complaining. More football is a good thing.

While the Saints and Panthers are both in the NFC South now, they were both in the NFC West until 2002, so this rivalry has existed since Carolina entered the league in 1995. New Orleans leads the all-time head-to-head 29-28 but lost both match ups last season. Carolina won their last game 10-7 on Jan. 8, so it’s probably one both teams would rather forget. Sam Darnold (now with the San Francisco 49ers) was 5 of 15 (yeah, that’s right) in the win for 43 yards and two interceptions for Carolina. He was sacked twice. Andy Dalton (now ironically with the Panthers) was 15 of 25 passing for 171 yards and a touchdown for the Saints. Dalton was sacked once. Alvin Kamara (currently suspended) rushed 23 times for 107 yards. Chris Olave caught five passes for 60 yards and a TD.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (+3, O/U: 39.5)

Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.

Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN2

Kickoff: Sep. 18. 7:14 p.m.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-0)

New Orleans opened their year with a tight home win over the Tennessee Titans thanks to three picks from Tennessee quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Derek Carr played well in his debut, though it didn’t show up on the scoreboard, going 23 of 33 for 305 yards, one touchdown and an interception in the win. He was sacked four times. Chris Olave caught eight passes for 112 yards. Rashid Shaheed had eight receptions for 89 yards and a TD. The defense sacked Tannehill three times to go with their three picks and held Derrick Henry to just 63 yards on the ground.

CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-1)

The Panthers spent three quarters of the game against the Atlanta Falcons playing actual football, but fully laid down in the fourth quarter, losing 24-10 in the opener. Bryce Young, in his official debut, was 20 of 38 for 146 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He was sacked twice.  Newly acquired Miles Sanders rushed 18 times for 72 yards. The defense sacked Desmond Ridder three times.

THE PICK

New Orleans barely held on to win in Week 1. I don’t think it’ll be quite so close on Monday night. Carolina is going in the right direction, but it’s not happening this year. Saints 24, Panthers 13

Last week

Straight up: 10-6

Against the spread: 9-7

Season

Straight up: 10-6

Against the spread: 9-7

Follow Adam Greene on Twitter @TheFirstMan.

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