The New Orleans Saints won their second game of the season. In the divisional duel against the Carolina Panthers, they won 20-17 in a game dominated by both defenses. The Panthers are the only team in the NFC South to have lost both games.

New quarterback Derek Carr also won the second game of the season with his New Orleans Saints.

After the Saints beat the Tennessee Titans 16:15 in week one, they had a 20:17 at the Carolina Panthers in week two.

In contrast to his efficient performance against the Titans, Carr was under much more pressure with his new team in Charlotte. Only 18 of 33 balls arrived for 175 yards, one pass was intercepted. In addition, the newcomer from the Las Vegas Raiders was sacked four times.

The only two touchdowns for the Saints came from running back Tony Jones, who replaced the still suspended Alvin Kamara. The Saints’ leading rusher was quarterback/tight end hybrid Taysom Hill with 75 yards, leading receiver Chris Olave with 86 yards on six catches.

Carolina Panthers too toothless offensively

Although the Saints still had sand in their offensive gears, they were able to move the ball better than the hosts. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young gained only 153 yards of space and a touchdown on 22 (of 33) balls received. In addition, there were 34 rushing yards and a lost fumble.

The Panthers’ leading receiver was veteran Adam Thielen with seven catches for 54 yards and a score, while the best runner was Miles Sanders with 43 rushing yards on 14 runs. All the points before the two-minute warning were scored by kicker Eddy Pineiro.

That makes the Panthers the only team in the NFC South to lose both games. Both the Saints and the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were victorious twice.

The Saints will be challenged in week three against the Green Bay Packers, while the Panthers will try to get their first win against the Seattle Seahawks.