5 critical factors that will decide the Panthers vs. Saints in Week 3
By Luke Gray
Carolina Panthers’ offense must start fast
What we’ve seen through the first two weeks of the season is a Carolina Panthers offensive unit struggling to find any form of fluidity, especially at the quarterback position. Whether or not this is a byproduct of the lack of playing time together through the preseason is yet to be determined, but it must turn around quickly.
The offense has been stagnant to start games. In the first half of the two games to begin the season, the Panthers have scored just 13 total points, which demonstrates how this group is underperforming under Ben McAdoo.
Barring the three-play touchdown drive and a 49-yard chunk run from Christian McCaffrey at the New York Giants, the offense offered little throughout.
Things don’t get any easier this weekend against a New Orleans Saints team filled with playmakers. It’ll be another test for Carolina’s offensive line going up against the likes of Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport, with the likes of Demario Davis and Tyrann Mathieu capable of leaving their mark, too.
One thing the Panthers must do is get other wide receivers in the game. They’ve exclusively played D.J. Moore, Robbie Anderson, and Shi Smith over the first two contests, so expect to see Terrace Marshall Jr. Rashard Higgins, and perhaps even Laviska Shenault Jr. in this one.