4 critical observations from the Panthers success vs. Saints in Week 3

What were the critical observations from the Carolina Panthers’ victory against the New Orleans Saints in Week 3?

The Carolina Panthers haven’t been able to win since Week 10 last season when they dominated the Arizona Cardinals during Cam Newton’s sensational return to the tea. That all changed on Sunday with a much-needed success against the New Orleans Saints.

This was far from a pretty game. The defenses for both teams showed out and took control for the most part, which was the clear strength of the NFC South rivals heading into the contest.

New Orleans put up significantly more yardage with 426 yards compared to Carolina’s 293 yards. But unlike previous weeks, the Panthers got stops when it mattered – something we haven’t seen to start the season.

For the offense, it was once again a disjointed performance from Ben McAdoo’s unit. Baker Mayfield struggled to end with a completion percentage below 50 percent once again and passing for just 170 yards, but Christian McCaffrey did manage to secure back-to-back games with more than 100 rushing yards.

Moving forward, it’s positive to see the Panthers’ defense performing to the level expected. However, it’s now vital the offense starts to click for the organization to be complete.

With that being said, here are four critical observations from Carolina’s victory over the Saints at Bank of America Stadium.

Carolina Panthers OLB Frankie Luvu is that guy

Questions were floating amongst Carolina Panthers fans about whether or not Frankie Luvu would be ready for the higher workload he’d have to undertake this season. When Haason Reddick left in free agency it was noted that the Washington State product would be the one to start in his place and has certainly proved to be an amble replacement.

While Luvu doesn’t offer the pass-rushing ability of someone like Reddic, he is just a guy that makes plays. Something that was once again evident against the New Orleans Saints.

Through the first three games of the season, Luvu has 21 tackles and has been a driving force on defense. A lot was been made leading up to this game about the Panthers being the only team in the NFL without a takeaway, something the outside linebacker rectified in the first quarter.

Luvu met Alvin Kamara in the backfield with ferocity, ripping the ball from the stud running back’s grasp, allowing Marquis Haynes to scoop the ball and take it 44 yards to the house.

Luvu showed a season ago in a small sample size the kind of player he could be. It’s clear through the first three games that the second-level defender has the skills for a prolonged career in the NFL.

Last season Luvu signed a two-year $9 million deal with $4.5 million guaranteed. While it’s only been three games the one-time undrafted free agent is proving to be an absolute steal.

If Luvu continues to play at the high level we’ve seen so far, the Panthers would be advised to extend him in the offseason before he garners interest from elsewhere.

Chris Tabor has revitalized Carolina Panthers’ special teams

Under the previous coordinator Chase Blackburn, the Carolina Panthers’ special teams unit was always a cause for concern. Head coach Matt Rhule was praised in the offseason for hiring former Chris Tabor and so far this appointment seems to be paying off.

Special teams completely dominated in all facets of the game against the New Orleans Saints. We saw Eddy Piniero continue his fairytale start with three more field goals to stay perfect, moving the former Florida star to seven-for-seven.

Piniero previously worked with Tabor during their time on the Chicago Bears and has alleviated any concerns Panthers’ may have had when starter Zane Gonzalez’s season was ended by injury in the preseason.

The special teams unit made key plays throughout. With the first half winding down, Saints kicker Will Lutz had a 30-yard chip shot to get them within 10, but Henry Anderson blocked the kick stunting New Orleans’ momentum to maintain momentum at the perfect time.

The Panthers also had some juice on kick returns Chuba Hubbard was relieved of these duties following his fumble at the New York Giants, but Laviska Shenault Jr. looked the part with 54 return yards on two attempts.

For an area of the field that’s often been a weak link, this represents a huge positive for the Panthers. And that’s not counting the elite punting of Johnny Hekker, who was outstanding in Week 3.

Laviska Shenault Jr. announced himself with the Carolina Panthers

If Laviska Shenault Jr. wanted to announce himself to Carolina Panthers fans on his debut, that was some way to do it.

Three plays, 103 yards, and a touchdown to be precise.

Shenault accounted for every yard gained on a crucial drive that put the Panthers in complete control. After returning a kick for 36 yards, Baker Mayfield found the former second-round pick on a quick screen and the Colorado product made his man miss before bursting 67 yards into the end zone.

Shenault had 20 yards on a crucial third and long conversion shortly after, coupled with 54 return yards leaving him with 144 all-purpose yards on the day. With Terrace Marshall Jr. a healthy scratch, it seems the recent trade acquisition from the Jacksonville Jaguars has already jumped ahead on the depth chart.

With Shi Smith struggling again with only two receptions for 22 yards, it seems once Shenault has become more accustomed to Ben McAdoo’s offense he will become a key part of this Panthers’ offense. Don’t be surprised to see him start in this packed wide receiver room sooner rather than later.

Carolina Panthers QB Baker Mayfield must improve

Unfortunately, it can’t all be positive. Once again we saw a stagnant Carolina Panthers passing game and another struggle for Baker Mayfield.

The quarterback ended the game with a 12-of-25 completion success for 170 yards and one touchdown. It was another contest where Mayfield finished under 50 percent distributing the football.

If it wasn’t for the 67-yard score to Laviska Shenault Jr., Mayfield’s stats could have looked much worse. Halfway through the third quarter, he had just 44 passing yards – disappointing from the former No. 1 overall selection.

The excuses are running out for Mayfield.

Through the last two weeks, the Panthers have established a solid run game running for 145 and 146 yards respectively. During his time with the Cleveland Browns, Mayfield’s good play was built on this, so the foundations are there for Carolina to be an above-average offense – something that hasn’t come to fruition as yet.

Some of the blame can fairly be placed on offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo for some frankly questionable play calling. However, at some point, Mayfield needs to stand up and make plays.

Once again D.J. Moore was sparsely involved totaling just a single reception for two yards. If the Panthers and Mayfield want to improve, he must get the Maryland product involved regularly because things don’t seem to be meshing right now.