NFC South Showdown: Saints Edge Panthers in Carolina

by

Sep 19, 2023

In a contest that could only be described as the epitome of divisional grit, the Carolina Panthers hosted the New Orleans Saints in an NFC South face-off that lived up to every bit of its anticipation.

Bryce Young, the up-and-coming quarterback for the Panthers, made his home debut, but the game did not exactly follow the scripts of storybook endings. The Panthers played catch-up, only to see a late touchdown and two-point conversion, bringing them tantalizingly close to the Saints. It may have been a relief to the gamblers watching the point spread, but for the Panther faithful, it was a nail-biter till the very end.

However, let’s not forget about the Saints. Some might say the win was “ugly,” but in the harsh, unforgiving world of the NFL, a win is a win. Many might have underestimated the Saints at the beginning of this season. No, they might not be everyone’s favorite to win the NFC championship, but in this division, they’ve showcased their capability to capitalize on key moments, just as they did in Charlotte.

Some may argue, pointing to the mere three-point difference in the final score. But to those really watching, the Saints controlled the narrative for much of the game. Sure, it wasn’t a blowout victory, but their defense and the presence of a veteran quarterback instilled confidence in their approach.

It’s no secret that we’ve pegged the New Orleans Saints to win more than ten games this year. Not because they’re a sensational team, but they’ve got the makings of a well-rounded squad – a commendable defense and seasoned leadership at the helm. The NFC South is shaping up interestingly, with Atlanta showing promise and Tampa Bay playing spoiler early. The Panthers, with Young at quarterback, are in their developmental phase. Yes, Young had his trials in this game, but growth originates in these challenges. His late-game touchdown drive gave a glimpse into his potential future in the league.

Shifting our focus back to the Saints, gamblers had their hearts in their throats with player prop bets. Derek Carr’s passing total surpassed the 224-mark, coming in at 228.

For the Saints, their formula is simple: Keep winning. Whether by a margin of three points or thirty, accumulating those victories is what matters in the end.

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Thumbnail photo via Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

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