(Photo via Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire)
Every Thursday right here you can read Inside the Dome, where we’ll get into a different topic on the Saints/the NFL as a whole, break down the Black and Gold, and talk about where things stand in the shield. In this week’s edition, the Saints defeated the Titans in week one to get their season started off right, and head to Carolina on Monday Night Football in week two as they try to get to 2-0:
It wasn’t all pretty for the Saints in week one, who trailed 9-6 at halftime and did not find the end zone for the first time until late in the third quarter. Derek Carr threw an ugly interception as the Saints were trying to tie the game or take the lead at the end of the half, but made up for it with a touchdown drive that ended with a beautiful dime to Rashid Shaheed:
Derek Carr 100th career interception in NOL on @YouTubeTV Sunday Ticket pic.twitter.com/QnufzcI9Jb
— McKay (@RaiderMcKay) September 10, 2023
Derek Carr’s first touchdown toss as a Saint was a beauty.#Kickoff2023 | (via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/GlicSaqBFU
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) September 10, 2023
Ultimately, Carr did exactly what he was brought in to do and provided a steady hand at the quarterback position. He was 23/33 for over 300 yards with a touchdown and a pick in total. Shaheed is an exciting weapon for the Saints, catching 5 passes for 89 yards including what was ultimately the winning touchdown.
Another encouraging thing for the Saints offense was the continued stardom of Chris Olave as well as contributions from Michael Thomas. Olave caught 8 passes for 112 yards while Thomas caught 5 for 61.
The Saints defense was phenomenal as well, picking off Ryan Tannehill three times and keeping the Titans out of the end zone.
New Orleans now turns their focus to week two, where they head on the road for a huge divisional matchup on Monday Night Football. It will be the home debut for Bryce Young in Carolina. Young had an up and down week one, throwing a touchdown and an interception in a loss to the Falcons.
The Saints should be able to get a lot of pressure on Young against what is a very bad Carolina offensive line. The result will come down to Derek Carr’s ability to be efficient and effective once again in a game where the Saints defense will show up.
Prediction: Saints 27, Panthers 16
