by Niles Carpenter/Saints Contributor

In a Monday night showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the New Orleans Saints (2-0) triumphed over the Carolina Panthers (0-2) with a final score of 20-17. The game showcased the back up running back Tony Jones Jr. and the reliable Chris Olave, who contributed significantly to the Saints’ success, maintaining their unbeaten streak for the season.

Jones, filling in for the injured Jamaal Williams, made an impactful entrance into the game late in the first half, rushing for two crucial touchdowns and gaining 34 yards on 12 carries. Saints head coach Dennis Allen was effusive in his praise for Jones, commending his effective running and the team’s solid blocking.

The Saints’ defense also played a pivotal role in the victory, holding the Panthers’ rookie quarterback Bryce Young to just 153 passing yards during his home debut. New Orleans limited the Panthers, who are still seeking their first win of the season, to a total of 239 yards and successfully sacked Young four times.

Young acknowledged the Saints’ formidable defense, noting their physicality and disciplined positioning, which made it challenging for the Panthers to execute their offensive strategies. Despite their efforts, the Panthers managed to score a late-game touchdown when Young connected with Adam Thielen for a 3-yard pass, followed by a successful 2-point conversion. This brought the Panthers within three points of tying the game, but the Saints secured the onside kick and ran out the clock to preserve their victory.

Quarterback Derek Carr, who had an impressive Week 1 performance with 305 passing yards, struggled early in the game. However, he rebounded in the second half, showcasing his resilience. Carr’s connection with Chris Olave was a turning point, with Olave making a spectacular diving one-handed catch along the sideline, leading to Jones’ 2-yard touchdown run and giving the Saints a 13-6 lead. Olave finished the game with six receptions for 86 yards.

Carr concluded the game with 228 passing yards and one interception, while the versatile Taysom Hill emerged as the Saints’ leading rusher, amassing 75 yards on nine carries. Carr acknowledged the need for improvement but expressed satisfaction in achieving a 2-0 start to the season.

With this victory, the Saints now share the top spot in the NFC South with the unbeaten Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while the Panthers find themselves facing an uphill battle early in the season.

The Panthers struggled throughout the game, with Young facing constant pressure from the Saints’ defense due to difficulties with the offensive line. Carolina also had trouble establishing a running game, with Miles Sanders limited to just 43 rushing yards. Miscues, penalties, and mental errors further marred the Panthers’ offensive performance.

The Panthers had a chance to tie the game just before halftime, but the Saints’ defense came up big as Carl Granderson sacked Young, forcing a fumble that Paulson Adebo recovered.

Panthers head coach Frank Reich remained optimistic, recognizing that his rookie quarterback faced a learning curve but also seeing potential for offensive improvement.

In terms of injuries, the Saints suffered a setback with Jamaal Williams leaving the game midway through the second quarter and not returning. On the Panthers’ side, veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson endured a significant right ankle injury that is expected to sideline him for an extended period.

Next up, the New Orleans Saints (2-0) will face the Green Bay Packers (1-1) on Sunday, with both teams looking to maintain their winning momentum.