Re: Observations from the Saints Win vs Panthers
 

- First of all, it's clear that defenses are WAY ahead of offenses in the games I have seen so far this season. Clearly with the Saints, but also teams across the league. This makes sense given the lack of playing time the collective offensive lines and key skill position players have seen in the preseason. I expect improvement weekly.

- The offensive line had their hands full with Burns, Houston, and company, but so will most teams this season.

- Penning looked much better.

- Defense was dictating what the offense could do for both teams. See the first point above.

- Thomas is still Thomas and accounted for multiple big first downs.

- Even with all of the pressure in Carr's face he still made throws that we haven't seen in years.

- For the second straight week we won the turnover battle (2 to 1) even without the one we would have had if Adebo hadn't fouled.

- I like that we showed a commitment to the run. 33 runs to 37 passes. 134 yards on the ground against that Carolina defense isn't bad.

- Getting Kendre Miller back next week and Kamara the following week will be a shot in the arm for the offense, I believe, coupled with another week to gel for the line.

- Taysom finally got some sizable usage out there and it paid off big.

- Grupe once again looked great in every phase and Hedley, not as much. Not horrible (42.0 average), but nothing special.

- Granderson is becoming a beast.

- Cam Jordan never seems to age.

- Olave, Shaheem, and Thomas all made great catches at key moments.

- Tony Jones came through big when needed.

Re: Observations from the Saints Win vs Panthers
 

I only saw the one replay of that call, but did anybody else thing it was kind of a ticky-tack call? I've seen much worse go ignored.

Re: Observations from the Saints Win vs Panthers
 

I'll take winning these so called "ugly" games over losing them any day of the week. Last year we would have lost both of these first two games. Winning can become contagious, as can losing. Our offense managed to run out the clock with the lead both weeks. That's something we were totally unable to do the last couple of years.

2-0 baby!

:bng:

Re: Observations from the Saints Win vs Panthers
 

Yeah. It was a foul, but something that is usually overlooked. That it negated a huge play just made it even that much more glaring.

Re: Observations from the Saints Win vs Panthers
 

+1.

Saunders is looking like a key off season signing.

Re: Observations from the Saints Win vs Panthers
 

In the back of my mind, I bet this ref was thinking ...

"Let's see if the Panthers are able to get a 1st down before I throw a late flag to keep their drive alive" :rolleyes:.

It was the right call, but damn it was super late.

Re: Observations from the Saints Win vs Panthers
 

This will be a bit of a hit for the Panthers moving forward.

Re: Observations from the Saints Win vs Panthers
 

Gotta love Cam. :D

Re: Observations from the Saints Win vs Panthers
 

Here's at least some good news on Penning. He's one of only four regular tackles in the league (at least 64) that has not committed a penalty.

Re: Observations from the Saints Win vs Panthers
 

Overall, good win against a division opponent which is never easy.

However, my biggest concern is still the same concern I have expressed for the last 3 years. Our offensive play calling is just awful at times, we don't adapt to what the defense is doing and when we find something that works we don't stick to it. The announcers pointed out several play calls that didn't make sense to them. Carr will be better with Kamara, he needs a check down for the quick rush, but the play calling in general won't get better with Pete.