We’ve had an incredibly strong Week 2 with a 4-1 outcome thus far.
Let’s look to keep things rolling tonight with a play on the spread.
First, let’s compare how these two quarterbacks performed last week:
Clearly more of the positives point toward the veteran in this spot.
And even if you want to say: “Screw those numbers, it’s one game and can’t tell us anything!”
Well, you’re right - it is just one game.
But for Carr it’s been dozens and dozens of games. And that’s where the difference in this matchup truly lies: Experience.
Everybody loves to criticize and pile on Carr - and I get it.
Trust me, I’m not some Derek Carr defender or anything like that, but I still think he is capable of being a solid QB.
And with his new situation in New Orleans, which brings him strong offensive weapons and, most importantly, a stable defense - he should be set up for success better than ever before.
That should translate well into this evening.
Whatever Bryce Young may develop into, I can assure you it ain’t happening tonight.
This Saints defense ranked 5th against the pass last season, according to DVOA, and in game one of this year forced Ryan Tannehill into an egregious statline of 16-34, 198 yards, 0 TD and 3 interceptions.
Now it’s been well documented my lack of belief in Tannehill as a starter, but, still - an impressive outing from New Orleans’ defense.
Young didn’t show all too much promise in Week 1, which I believe is fair to criticize and assess - despite what some may consider to be too premature.
The reason I say that is because there were already red flags with the Panthers offensive line heading into the season, so we were expecting struggles early on.
Plus, despite it being Young’s first game as a pro, he was set up in a favorable spot to showcase his skills against a pass defense that finished second to last in DVOA rankings last year.
However, despite that presumed advantage, Young compiled a performance that featured a completion percentage of 52.6% (20-38), totaling just 146 passing yards with 1 touchdown and two picks.
It shouldn’t get any easier for Young against this Saints secondary.
So as we continue to reference last year’s DVOA pass defense rankings, let’s not fail to mention Carolina’s.
The Panthers ranked 22nd.
Unfortunately we didn’t get too much film on them this past week considering Desmond Ridder only threw the ball 18 times, however he did complete 15 of those attempts.
Carr will be fine in the passing effort tonight; but what may really carry their offense is the ground attack.
Last week Jamaal Williams was a tad underwhelming against the Titans - as he totaled just 45 rushing yards on 18 carries.
But, Williams could be primed for a big performance tonight against a Carolina defensive interior that allowed 131 combined rushing yards and 5.2 yards per carry to Atlanta’s backfield.
The Saints will look to establish the run, relieve some of the pressure off Carr in a divisional road game and then - from a defensive standpoint - frustrate the hell out of the nuanced QB on the opposite sideline.
Play: Saints (-3)
NFL Record: 5-4 (+0.30)
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