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 taking part in the worst staff 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 sport that may 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 towards Dallas’ elite pass-rushing duo, Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.
The unit held up properly towards the Panthers, together with embattled proper deal with 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 problem stage.
According to Pro Football Focus data, Parsons tied for essentially the most complete pressures in Week 1 (11), whereas Lawrence tied for fourth (seven) by Sunday’s video games.
Saints quarterback Derek Carr was only pressured on three pass attempts towards Carolina, the bottom amongst Week 1 beginning quarterbacks getting into “Monday Evening Soccer.”
How the Saints offensive line performs towards arguably the league’s high pass-rushing duo will converse volumes about what sort of season New Orleans might have.
In its drubbing of Carolina, it definitely appeared the a part of a playoff contender.
Then once more, it additionally performed that position completely within the 2021 opener towards 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 towards the Cowboys will.
