N.C.-CHARLOTTE -- Monday night's NFC South showdown between the Panthers and Saints featured No. 1 overall draught pick Bryce Young of the Panthers and offseason acquisition Derek Carr of the Saints at quarterback, but it was each team's tough defence that ultimately decided the outcome.

The Saints scored the game's first touchdown in the third quarter of their 20-17 victory. The Saints take a perfect 2-0 record into Week 3 as the Panthers drop to a winless 0-2.
As in previous weeks, the Saints' defence should be honoured as the team's most valuable player. Another weak offensive performance was salvaged by the unit's stifling play against Young and the Panthers. The defense's four-man rush led to four sacks and kept the rookie quarterback on the sidelines for most of the game. He completed 22 passes for 153 yards. For the second week in a row, the Saints' offence struggled early and failed to score before halftime. However, thanks to a 42-yard pass to Chris Olave early in the third quarter, the Saints were able to stay close.