Rejoice. The Carolina Panthers won a football game for only the second time this season.
It wasn't pretty, but nobody expected it to be looking at the poor form displayed by the Panthers and New Orleans Saints heading into the divisional clash. It came down to a few key moments. For the first time in what seems like an age, Carolina came out on the other end smiling.
Dave Canales was visibly relieved after the contest. The head coach needed something to prove things were heading in the right direction. He needed to show the world that the Panthers weren't just going to roll over and accept their fate. This was against a demoralized and under-strength Saints outfit, but it's still a win.
That's all fans wanted with another season spiraling into irrelevancy. It's been a long time since they've had anything legitimate to cheer. Building on this newly-acquired momentum is critical against the New York Giants before their much-anticipated bye week.
That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are five winners and two losers from Carolina's hard-fought success at Bank of America Stadium.
Winners and losers from Carolina Panthers' triumph vs. Saints
Robert Hunt - Carolina Panthers OL
Robert Hunt cost a significant amount in free agency. Looking at the way he's applied himself so far this season, it's money well spent.
Hunt's completely changed the mindset across the Carolina Panthers offensive line. Even with starting center Austin Corbett and left tackle Ikem Ekwonu missing in Week 9, the protection rose to the occasion and provided Bryce Young with the clean pockets needed to excel.
This was one of the biggest positives to emerge from the contest. Hunt deserves all the plaudits coming his way. He's setting the tone consistently, providing a level of accomplished performance and physicality that was sorely lacking previously. There are plenty of problems attached to the Panthers these days, but the offensive line interior is not one of them.
The former second-round pick's production versus the New Orleans Saints went overlooked. However, it was a leading contributing factor behind Carolina's overall triumph.
Loser No. 1
Miles Sanders - Carolina Panthers RB
Just why Miles Sanders continues to get touches within Dave Canales' offensive strategy is anyone's guess. The veteran running back displayed some signs of life throughout the campaign, but it's nowhere near the level expected. Sunday's lack of production against the New Orleans Saints was another strong indicator of his wayward trajectory.
Sanders just doesn't have the explosiveness or short-area burst needed. It deserted him almost immediately after receiving a decent contract from the Carolina Panthers in 2023 free agency. With Chuba Hubbard outperforming him and Jonathon Brooks set to return in Week 10 versus the New York Giants, things are looking increasingly bleak for the former Penn State standout.
The Panthers won their second game of the season, but that won't stop general manager Dan Morgan from disposing of assets before the trade deadline if he feels like it could benefit the organization. Sanders looks like a prime candidate to be moved if there's sufficient interest. Whether that arrives is another matter.
Gaining negative 10 yards from four touches is proof things aren't working out for Sanders in Carolina. Perhaps a fresh start will be the best possible solution for all parties.
Winner No. 2
Demani Richardson - Carolina Panthers S
The NFL is all about seizing opportunities when they arrive. For those on the fringes or lower down the pecking order, capitalizing on them is crucial.
It can go either way for some. Things look positive for Demani Richardson based on the performance levels displayed over the last two contests. He's emerged from obscurity to make an instant impact in a competitive regular-season setting.
Richardson slotted into the starting role and thrived. He led the team in tackles once again versus the New Orleans Saints and played with a ruthless enthusiasm that's hard not to love. Things are far from perfect, but it's also worth remembering that the former Texas A&M star is still developing his craft in the pros.
One cannot be anything other than thrilled by the way he's applied himself so far. Richardson looks the part aside from the odd mistake in coverage. He looks like another undrafted gem found by general manager Dan Morgan this offseason to go along with wide receiver Jalen Coker.
Winner No. 3
Chuba Hubbard - Carolina Panthers RB
Chuba Hubbard is quickly emerging into an integral part of the Carolina Panthers' plans for the future. Things are still hanging in the balance with the former fourth-round selection out of contract next spring, but their reported unwillingness to trade the running back before the deadline indicates a new deal could be in the offing if the same trend continues.
Hubbard got 15 carries against the New Orleans Saints. This was on the low side considering the volume fans anticipated before the contest. Thankfully for the Oklahoma State product, he maximized his touches en route to yet another outstanding display.
With 72 rushing yards and two touchdowns, this was further proof of Hubbard's credentials. The Panthers' running back dynamic is about to change with the introduction of second-round rookie Jonathon Brooks. That is more likely to impact Miles Sanders, who could be moved before the trade deadline if the right offer comes along.
That's all part of the business. It won't matter all that much to Hubbard, who's going to get a decent contract from the Panthers or elsewhere next spring after emerging into a prolific backfield presence.
Winner No. 4
Ja'Tavion Sanders - Carolina Panthers TE
It's been a long time since the Panthers had a legitimate pass-catching presence at the tight end position. Greg Olsen's memorable stint with the franchise is a distant memory, replaced by the likes of Ian Thomas, Tommy Tremble, and Hayden Hurst, who weren't capable of filling the void effectively.
Ja'Tavion Sanders' professional career is still in its infancy and there remain expected consistency issues. However, there's a lot to like about the way he's applied himself over the first half of 2024.
The relationship between Sanders and quarterback Bryce Young is blossoming. There's increased trust and the signal-caller has no trouble looking in his direction in key moments. This came to the fore once again in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints, with the No. 101 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft turning in an accomplished display.
Sanders was a matchup nightmare for the Saints' depleted secondary, bringing in four receptions from five targets for 87 receiving yards. He's already accumulated more yards than any tight end since Olsen, which is either a remarkable achievement or a damning indictment of others depending on which way one looks at it.
Loser No. 2
Xavier Woods - Carolina Panthers S
The Carolina Panthers managed to attain success over the New Orleans Saints, which was the most important thing above all else. It wasn't perfect, but finding a way to win is something this team hasn't accomplished with nearly enough frequency since David Tepper bought the franchise from Jerry Richardson.
Xavier Woods' performance wasn't great. He got undone with a costly penalty by laying out Chris Olave, who was thankfully okay after a visit to the hospital. The veteran safety also struggled to wrap up oncoming runners effectively.
Woods has gone from one of the team's most consistent performers to a weak link. The former sixth-round selection is out of contract next spring and needs to raise his performance levels to justify a new deal. The fact undrafted free agent Demani Richardson is outperforming him right now speaks volumes.
With Jordan Fuller nearing a return, it'll be interesting to see how the safety dynamic shakes out. Taking Richardson out of the lineup would be harsh. At the same time, Ejiro Evero needs experience. That might ensure Woods retains his spot when push comes to shove, but the margin for error is thinner than ever.
Winner No. 5
Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers QB
Many thought this was Bryce Young's last opportunity to silence doubters and prove his worth as a starting quarterback. The Panthers had Andy Dalton waiting in the wings and Dave Canales trusts the veteran more, but the former No. 1 pick rose to the occasion with a confidence-boosting performance on home soil.
Young did all the little things well. He controlled the line of scrimmage pre-snap, got the football out on-time more often than not, and took advantage of scoring opportunities when they presented themselves. There were also notable improvements in key areas such as footwork and throwing mechanics for good measure.
This was a major positive for Young. The statistics weren't elite, but they could have been better had David Moore caught an easy touchdown pass and Xavier Legette not allowed the football to get snatched out of his grasp for an interception.
Canales didn't commit to Young after the game. However, it would be a bombshell of epic proportions if the Heisman Trophy winner out of Alabama wasn't under center for Carolina's international game against the New York Giants in Germany.