10 quick thoughts from Carolina Panthers win vs. the Saints in Week 3
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers made things difficult for Jameis Winston early
There was some doubt as to whether or not Jameis Winston would play in Week 3. The quarterback is dealing with a back fracture and ankle problem, which the Carolina Panthers sensed and took full advantage of early.
Defensive coordinator Phil Snow wasn’t afraid to bring the noise and leave a little on Winston to make him uncomfortable. Something that saw the signal-caller become antsy in the pocket and fail to hit his receivers when open.
Carolina’s coverage was also top-notch throughout the first half. Something that saw Winston cut a visibly frustrated figure on the sidelines.
Carolina Panthers benefitted from Saints’ discipline issues
Even when the Saints did pull off big plays in the first half, these were brought back for crucial penalties on two notable occasions that would have been first downs otherwise. The Panthers weren’t complaining, with complications such as these something they succumb to more often than not.
Carolina will take anything they can get right now. This lack of discipline from New Orleans gave the Panthers all the motivation needed to pull ahead – especially on the defensive side of things.
An almost flawless first half from the Carolina Panthers
Things still looked a little disjointed on offense. However, this was an almost flawless first half from the Panthers ad a far cry from what fans witnessed over the first two weeks.
Matt Rhule‘s men went into the half-time interval with a deserved lead. Aside from New Orlans’ final drive that included a deep bomb to rookie wideout Chris Olave, there wasn’t all that much to be concerned about.
If the offense figures things out, the Panthers will be all systems go.