The New Orleans Saints head to Charlotte for their Week 10 matchup with the Carolina Panthers, and both teams enter desperate for stability. The Saints have shuffled quarterbacks and struggled to find rhythm offensively, while Carolina continues to develop a young roster under a first-year coaching staff. This game is a chance for New Orleans to find its identity. Here’s what they must do to win, and what could lead to a frustrating loss.

The Saints will win if…

1. They Simplify the Game for Tyler Shough

The Saints’ rookie quarterback made his first career start last week and showed flashes, but he was often asked too much of him early. In Week 10, New Orleans must take advantage of high-percentage throws: quick outs, screen passes, crossers, and designed rollouts to neutralize Carolina’s defensive front. Limiting reads and emphasizing rhythm will keep the offense on schedule and build confidence for the young quarterback.

If the Saints stay ahead of the sticks—second-and-medium instead of second-and-long—they’ll open the playbook and allow Shough to operate without forcing deep, low-probability shots.

2. They Control the Line of Scrimmage

New Orleans’ offensive line faces a difficult assignment against Derrick Brown and A’Shawn Robinson, two powerful interior defenders. The Saints must find a way to run the football efficiently between the tackles and prevent early penetration. Establishing the run game early will open up play-action and halt Carolina’s pass rush.

Defensively, the Saints need to generate consistent pressure on Bryce Young with their front four. Chase Young and Carl Granderson must win their one-on-one matchups and contain the edge in the run game.

The Saints will lose if…

1. They Can’t Establish the Run

If New Orleans is unable to run the ball with Alvin Kamara, the Panthers defense will wreak havoc on Tyler Shough. The Saints can’t afford to pass the ball 40 times with an inexperienced quarterback, especially after trading away Rashid Shaheed.  A balanced gameplan, built around the run, play-action, and quick rhythm passing will be key to offensive success this week..

2. They Lose the Turnover Battle

New Orleans lacks the offensive firepower to win games in which they lose the turnover battle. Protecting the football and forcing takeaways will determine whether this becomes a close, hard-fought divisional game or another wasted effort on both sides of the ball. They do not need a perfect game from their young quarterback, just a smart and efficient game.