The Carolina Panthers achieved a significant milestone with a thrilling 31-28 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, improving their season record to 7-6. As they prepare for a crucial Week 14 bye, the focus now shifts to an upcoming game against the struggling New Orleans Saints on December 14, 2024. This matchup will take place at the Caesars Superdome, where the Panthers hope to avoid a repeat of their previous encounter with the Saints.
Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson issued a warning to his teammates following the recent win. In an interview with Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Jackson emphasized the need for caution, reflecting on how the Saints dominated their last meeting. “Right now, everybody’s patting us on the back and telling us how good we are. We’re going to hear all about it,” Jackson stated. “And last time we played there, they put 40 on our head. So we got to come in with the right mindset to get that one.”
Jackson’s remarks highlight the memory of the Panthers’ opening game last season, where they suffered a heavy 47-10 defeat against the Saints in September 2024. Since that game, significant changes have occurred within both franchises. For the Panthers, quarterback Bryce Young was benched after two weeks during that campaign. However, this season has seen Young flourish, achieving seven wins in 12 starts, despite missing one game due to an ankle injury.
In the recent victory over the Rams, Young demonstrated his capabilities by completing 15 of 20 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns. According to Pro Football Reference, Young currently ranks 23rd in the NFL among qualified players with a 45.6 adjusted QBR and an 87.9 passer rating for the season. While he has faced criticism for some avoidable errors during games, his performance has positioned the Panthers just behind the 7-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the race for the NFC South division title.
The Panthers have emerged as one of the season’s unexpected success stories after starting 0-2 and losing three of their first four games. Jackson noted that the team recognized its potential early in the season. “I knew it back in training camp,” he shared with Breer. “At the end of the day, we’re a very good team. It’s just consistency was our problem. So we had to focus on that.”
As Carolina prepares to face the Saints, they are expected to be strong favorites for the encounter. Jackson’s comments indicate a determination to avoid complacency, as the team looks to prevent what could potentially become a “trap game.” The Panthers will also have a key matchup against the Buccaneers in Week 16, followed by another meeting in Week 18 at Raymond James Stadium.
With the Panthers striving to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their recent successes, the upcoming game against New Orleans will be critical in their pursuit of a playoff spot.