By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS — It is rare that a Week 1 NFL game feels like a “must-win” for a team. But the New Orleans Saints’ season kickoff feels as close as it gets. While a loss in a season opener does not mean the year is over for the team, a win also does not guarantee sustained success.
The truth of the Saints’ season opener against the Carolina Panthers is that while a win is good, not losing is almost just as good.
The Saints have missed the playoffs in each of the last three years but have won their Week 1 games in each year. Obviously a win on Sunday doesn’t guarantee any kind of ticket to the postseason. However, a loss feels like it will completely shape the complexities of 2024.
Facing a beatable Panthers team is a chance to build confidence and lock up an early division game. The disappointment that would come with a loss in this scenario would instead bring about a lot of loud chatter about the direction of the team. After this game, the Saints face four tough tests. They travel to take on the Dallas Cowboys, host the Philadelphia Eagles and then go back in the road to take on the Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs.
It is important for the team to start strong this season. There are a lot of question marks still swirling around the team. Will their offensive line hold up? How will the new offense look? Has the defense regressed? These are all question as the Saints will look to emphatically answer opening weekend.
A win without answering those questions may end up feeling hollow, the risk of playing a winnable game. However, a loss would quickly become the identity of the team outside the facility. It may not be fair, but it is the NFL.
It is imperative that New Orleans starts the season on the right foot, but even more important that the do not start in the wrong one. Sunday may not be a “must-win,” but it is certainly a “mustn’t-lose” game.
