Saints Week 1 Preview

Travis Himel • September 7, 2024

Week 1 Saints vs Panthers

   Saints fans… The 2024-25 season is officially underway! Fans seem to be split on expectations this year. Some believe we could go far as underdogs while others can’t seem to find hope. Nonetheless, Saints fans will always agree on one thing. We want to bring home a Lombardi trophy! How likely is that this year? We can only wait and see. Here’s what you can expect from the Black & Gold:


 This Week’s Matchup:

   In Week 1 this year we have a home opener against our division opponent, the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers finished last season with an underwhelming 2-15 record. They also finished their season on a 3 game losing streak. Last year the Panthers went 0-9 on the road. However, the Panthers brought in a new head coach to hopefully fix many of their offensive issues from last year. Three Offensive Linemen will get their debut start for the Panthers this Sunday. Alongside them will be two new Wide Receivers, Rookie Xavier Legette and new acquisition Diontae Johnson. QB Bryce Young is looking to have a much better campaign this year after a disappointing rookie season. 


 Series History:

   In the last 10 seasons, the Saints are 12-8 against the Carolina Panthers. A slightly closer series than I would like to see. The Panthers were swept by the Saints last year after sweeping the series the previous season. Each team is looking to get off to a hot start for the 2024-25 season.


 Your Saints:

   The Saints are coming off of a fairly good preseason as far as player development and installing a new system under new Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiac. I expect a bigger year from QB Derek Carr and RB Alvin Kamara. Expect Chris Olave to rack up another 1,000 yard season while Rashid Shaheed looks to get over the 1,000 receiving yard threshold. This Saints defense has me excited! This could statistically be one of the best Saints defenses we’ve ever seen.

   When healthy, the Saints defensive front can make a big impact in the run game while defensive Captain Demario Davis looks to build upon a Hall of Fame worthy career. The defensive back group is one of the best in the NFL on paper. Rookie Kool-Aid Mckinstry looks to learn from the veterans and step right in to fill his role in this defense after the Saints traded up in the 2nd round to draft him. The Saints could have a successful season as long as the offense can get down the field and score when called upon. If the offense and defense can feed off of each other, we could end with a very good record. The NFC South is up for grabs along with hosting a playoff game. We all know there’s no louder stadium than a playoff game in the Dome!


 Injuries:

   The Saints expect to start the season very healthy with very few players hurt. A.T Perry, Willie Gay, and Nick Saldiveri are questionable while Khalen Saunders is listed as out for this game.

Prediction:

   I predict the Saints to get off to a good start with the defense picking up where they left off last year. The Panthers will have little time to run their offense and will have trouble getting downfield. I predict the Saints to start the season 1-0 with a score of 24-9!

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By Patty V • July 28, 2026
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Linebacker Room Outlook: Different Yet Familiar?

By Kaden Arkeder • July 28, 2026
Well the changing of the guard has begun on defense. With Demario Davis leaving in free agency a big leadership void was left in the locker room where someone else will have to take the torch. Whom remains to be seen but all eyes are on what Kaden Ellis brings in his return to the Saints. The Saints signed Ellis to bring back someone with familiarity with the organization and the talents he was better able to showcase after leaving the team. Kaden Ellis in his time with the Atlanta Falcons was able to show he can do whatever you need of him from the linebacker position. He can play off ball in space showing good awareness in coverage but can also play well on the ball when asked to rush the passer from a variety of situations. With Ellis in the fold I expect the defense to be more effective in keeping the offense guessing on what the linebackers will be doing on a down to down basis.  Next up is Pete Werner who has had a up and down career thus far with the Saints but overall has been a solid starter since he was drafted. Werner’s coming off a down year in terms of on field production in 2025 where he was routinely taken off the field in favor of getting the young linebackers on the roster snaps on defense to give them some opportunity and experience. If Werner wants to keep his starting role on defense he is going to have to show more impact on defense this season beginning in training camp. With Demario gone and Pete Werner the only returning starting at linebacker on defense the door of opportunity has fully opened for the young linebackers on the roster. who have been patiently waiting for their chance to make a name for themselves. Isiah Stalbird, Jaylan Ford, Danny Stutsman fit into this category as young guys earning their stripes through special teams and limited snaps on defense thus far. This will be one of the more fascinating, fun training camp battles to see if any can overtake Werner on the depth chart and carve out a more meaningful role on defense. After them is the roster hopefuls in Anfernee Jennings and Jackson Sirmon. These two will look to show they belong in the league and will do whatever it takes to prove it. Whether they make the 53 man roster with the Saints or not the goal is to help bring more competition to the room and see who can do enough to latch on somewhere in the NFL. Opportunity is the key word I would use for this group. From Kaden Ellis getting a chance to really star on defense to Pete Werner getting an opportunity to keep young guys from taking his snaps again to the young guys like Danny Stutsman overtaking Werner on the depth chart. The linebacker unit has plenty of opportunities ahead of them, let’s see what they can make with them.
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