The Saints’ dominant Week 1 win over the Panthers has been met with a wholesome dose of skepticism.
Most view the 47-10 demolition as an aberration. In any case, how a lot can actually be realized enjoying the worst group in soccer?
New Orleans will not wait to show whether or not its Week 1 efficiency says extra about it or Carolina.
This weekend, the Saints journey to Dallas to play the Cowboys (1 p.m. EST, Fox), a recreation that can higher point out the Saints’ place within the NFL’s 2024 hierarchy.
The Cowboys have gone 12-5 in every of the previous three seasons and, just like the Saints, had been dominant in Week 1, beating the Browns, 33-17, on the street.
New Orleans’ offensive line will probably be examined in opposition to Dallas’ elite pass-rushing duo, Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.
The unit held up nicely in opposition to the Panthers, together with embattled proper sort out Trevor Penning, who was benched after six begins final season. Per Pro Football Focus, Penning solely allowed one strain in 28 pass-blocking conditions on Sunday.
However the Cowboys’ two-headed monster considerably ups the issue degree.
According to Pro Football Focus data, Parsons tied for probably the most complete pressures in Week 1 (11), whereas Lawrence tied for fourth (seven) by way of Sunday’s video games.
Saints quarterback Derek Carr was only pressured on three pass attempts in opposition to Carolina, the bottom amongst Week 1 beginning quarterbacks getting into “Monday Evening Soccer.”
How the Saints offensive line performs in opposition to arguably the league’s high pass-rushing duo will communicate volumes about what sort of season New Orleans might have.
In its drubbing of Carolina, it actually regarded the a part of a playoff contender.
Then once more, it additionally performed that function completely within the 2021 opener in opposition to the Packers, when former quarterback Jameis Winston threw 5 touchdowns and outdueled Aaron Rodgers in a 38-3 rout.
Or, in Week 5 final season, when it went to New England and throttled the Patriots, 34-0.
How did these seasons finish? With the Saints clearing their lockers forward of wild-card weekend.
New Orleans has a lot to show earlier than it is taken critically as a playoff risk. A 37-point win over the Panthers did not transfer the needle, however a street win in opposition to the Cowboys will.