outlaw4

Good to hear Darnold acknowledging the issues we still need to address because what has been our biggest issues as a franchise is being unable to sustain any level of success. We don't get attention because too often, we fall on our faces when we do have the spotlight. I could point out endless losses to division rivals and the Seahawks but the most grating is being utterly embarrassed by the Steelers every single time we've faced them in recent history. Thursday is our first big test not only because we are the only game that day but given the team we're facing and their circumstances, we are expected to win.

It's nice to see a team that actually goes for it rather than giving the ball back to someone like Mahomes, especially in a situation that favors them.

Wrong touchdown throw, Lamar.

Good luck trying to pry away the game ball from our defense.

Having the Saints kneel down at the end instead of trying to run another play is pure satisfaction...

I'm seeing this team like the Browns and the Bills. Sure, they look quite competitive today but it took them at least three years to finally see results. Moreso, I would argue that we're not even at year 2 just yet because COVID made everything much more difficult and different than any other year. Yes, we still have pieces missing (Uglies, QB if Darnold flames out) but the defense has tons of potential already and the best part is that's it's a lot of young talent. If nothing else, this is not 2010. There are things to look forward to.

That's a kick to the you know what. Or was it two?

History has shown we need a great Panthers team to beat the Saints and we don't have that right now. Offense continues to frustrate in the red zone and I expect being dinked and dunked to death to negate our rush, plus gratuitous holding that isn't called. Our own turnovers will negate theirs and they'll score on them as well I don't expect a victory this year but will be a litmus test in 2022 on whether we're going in the right direction. Saints 34 Panthers 20

First game at the new stadium with fans and they're already booing.

Ultimately depends on the type of game we get. If it's a traditional high scoring affair, offense has to play a lot better than they did today. I like our chances better in a defensive slog.

CMC has to do everyone's job on offense, apparently. Maybe try him to kick extra points...

No matter how you get the win, it's nice to get one to start a season, especially in front of the fans.

And that's the ball game. Game was over the moment Cowboys settled for the FG.

Recover that money by betting that Brady gets another game winning drive and we'll have to hear about it non-stop.

Odds of missing: 65%

Cowboys choking it away now.

Insert obvious Joey Sylelein joke here.

We almost lost to a Saints team led by Luke McCown. Getting swept is the greater possibility here, especially if it becomes a shootout.

Sounds like a great move on paper. Only a future 6th for a player we have more info on than other teams (thanks, Dan) who can contribute on both the d-line and special teams. Yes, would feel better if we can somehow find some Uglies but have to take these type of opportunities when available.

Not going to rag on the guy. I'll put more of the blame on Hurney.

As I watched it, the one straightaway difference was that Darnold gave his guys better opportunites for some YAC. Still need to see the capability of stretching the field vertically because we'll otherwise be back to where we were last year. That said, I don't see Teddy throwing that TD to Robby.

Not quite getting the Jeff Davidson hate. Yes, 2010 was a dumpster fire but he was here for the years before that. He replaced Henning and I still think Davidson was an overall improvement over him, especially using the tight ends as an actual receiving option.

This is the Huddle. We don't do that around here. Having two joint practices made the preseason games even less relevant. No need to throw out Darnold (or more of the starters, frankly) in meaningless games just to coddle fans egos.