NFC South Quarterbacks Ready to Face Off and Erase Any Doubts in Week 1 Showdown

NFC South Quarterbacks Ready to Face Off and Erase Any Doubts in Week 1 Showdown

Derek Carr and Bryce Young are two quarterbacks who have come under fire this offseason, with analysts predicting they’ll lead their teams to below-average records in 2024. Can the division rival signal-callers shake off their critics with solid performances as the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints begin their 2024 NFL campaigns?

Week 1 is an NFC South divisional game featuring an intriguing quarterback duel. The outcome of Sunday’s showdown between second-year forward Bryce Young and veteran Derek Carr could answer the question about the 2024 season for Who Dats and Panthers fans, with the division still up for grabs.

Derek Carr

NFL New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

New Orleans signed Derek Carr as their franchise quarterback to a massive four-year, $150 million contract. The hope was that he would stabilize the Saints’ quarterback position after injuries to Jameis Winston and inconsistencies from Andy Dalton plagued the team in previous seasons.

On the other hand, Derek Carr enters his second season with the Saints after signing as a free agent in 2023. The four-time Pro Bowler put up solid numbers in his first year in New Orleans, completing 68.4% of his passes for 3,878 yards, 25 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.

Still, it was unforgivable for Saints fans after he delivered a 9-8 season that saw the club miss the playoffs for the third straight year. Carr should provide a steady hand for the Saints as they attempt to return to the postseason.

Meanwhile, Carr is looking to build on the chemistry he built last season with weapons like Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and Alvin Kamara. But who will be his third wideout, and can the team find a reliable tight end option?

This Week 1 matchup offers both quarterbacks a chance to start their 2024 seasons on a positive note.

When these teams met in Week 14 of 2023, the Saints dominated with a 28-6 victory. Young struggled mightily, completing just 13 of 36 passes for 137 yards and recording four sacks. He’ll be eager to prove he’s grown from the experience and can compete with a division rival.

Bryce Jong

Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during warm-ups before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Young, the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, enters his sophomore season hoping to build on a challenging rookie campaign. Young threw for 2,877 yards with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as a rookie for the Panthers.

The former Alabama star and Heisman Trophy winner showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency due to a weak offensive line, completing 59.8 percent of his passes.

Young hopes to take a step forward in his development and showcase the talent that made him a top draft pick while going up against the Saints’ veteran defense, featuring linebacker Demario Davis.

Much of the Panthers’ success this season will depend on the development of Young as the Panthers enter a new era under head coach Dave Canales.

Can Bryce Young take a step forward in his development and showcase the talent that made him the top draft pick in 2023? Has Carolina done enough to provide him with offensive weapons this season?

For Derek Carr, the question is simple. Can the veteran signal-caller rise above the “average” evaluation of his game and become the “elite” franchise quarterback that New Orleans has needed since Drew Brees retired? And do the Saints give him the offensive line to keep him upright and make the right decisions when distributing the ball without constant pressure?

Sunday’s game at the newly renovated Caesars Superdome provides an exciting early-season NFC South test for both quarterbacks. With the road to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans beginning in Week 1, Sunday’s matchup could set the tone for both teams.