Life in the NFL hasn’t been easy for 2023 first overall pick and Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. He struggled in his regular season debut on the road against one of the Panthers NFC South rivals in the Atlanta Falcons, throwing two interceptions to only touchdown along with 146 yards on 20 of 38 passing. Week 2 doesn’t present an easier challenge as another division rival comes to town in the New Orleans Saints, a defense that interception Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill three times in their 16-15 Week 1 win. 

However with the Saints playing on the road and in primetime, their new starting quarterback Derek Carr is being put in an uncomfortable position as well on “Monday Night Football. Carr has lost eight of his nine career road primetime starts with eight passing touchdowns to 11 interceptions in those contests. He has also lost seven of his last nine road starts overall with some grizzly production away from home lately. Carr has tossed seven interceptions across his last three road games. Although, Carr didn’t have Saints second-year Chris Olave in either of those situations. The second-year wideout New Orleans selected in the first round a year ago formed an instant connection with Carr as the duo combined for eight completions and 112 receiving yards in Week 1. 

Whichever offensive line can hold up for their quarterback longer may determine tonight’s victor. Both the Panthers (45.2% quarterback pressure rate allowed, fifth-worst in NFL) and the Saints (44.7% quarterback pressure rate allowed, sixth-worst in NFL) have been two of the worst pass-protection teams in the entire league. 

Which NFC South rival will emerge victorious? Follow our live blog below for analysis and updates throughout this Monday night clash. 

How to watch

Date: Monday, Sept. 18 | Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
Location: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
TV: ESPN | Stream: fubo    
Follow: CBS Sports App 
Odds: Saints -3, O/U 39.5