The Carolina Panthers looked like one of these worst teams in the NFL through two weeks.
In a Week 3 home matchup against the New Orleans Saints, it seemed another loss was inevitable.
Coming into this game the Panthers were on a nine-game losing streak dating back to last season.
But, they finally ended that streak and got their first win of the season on Sunday.
All the pressure was on quarterback Baker Mayfield to play well after two bad games to start his Panthers career.
While his overall numbers were not great, he did throw one touchdown and did not turn the ball over.
The Panthers featured a heavy dose of Christian McCaffrey on offense who had 25 rushes for 108 yards.
One issue for the Carolina offense is that Mayfield has not found a go-to receiving option.
The WR for the Panthers was supposed to be D.J. Moore, but he has struggled to produce anything substantial so far this year.
The biggest surprise player of the game for the Panthers was Laviska Shenault.
After trading for Shenault from the Jaguars, the 23-year-old WR made his debut on Sunday and scored a 67-yard touchdown.
.@Viska2live takes it 67 YARDS for the TD. 🔥
📺: #NOvsCAR on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/gwLoH5SIcp pic.twitter.com/1l9BWAucQK— NFL (@NFL) September 25, 2022
On paper, the Saints are more talented than the Panthers, but Carolina played very well defensively in Week 3 and found a way to win.
The Panthers’ defense forced three turnovers and scored one touchdown.
If Carolina was to fall to 0-3 it would be very difficult for them to climb out of that hole.
But now at 1-2, they sit one game behind the Buccaneers for first place in the NFC South.
Also, Carolina got their first-division win of the year.
Head coach Matt Rhule also was facing a ton of pressure in this game.
He is firmly on the hot seat and it only would have gotten hotter if the Panthers were 0-3.
Now it is time to see how the Panthers can respond to their first win.
Winning Formula
It appears that Carolina has found the formula necessary to win games.
They are doing it by taking the ball out of Mayfield’s hands and giving it to McCaffrey.
The 26-year-old RB has been one of the most effective players in the NFL when healthy.
He looks to be full-go this season and is off to a great start running the ball.
But, McCaffrey is a great receiver as well.
Carolina needs to get him more reception opportunities instead of running it with him 25+ times per game.
The second key to the formula for the Panthers is playing strong defense.
Their two losses have come by a combined five points and a few key stops at the ends of those games could have resulted in a win.
Second-year cornerback, Jaycee Horn, looks to be coming into his own this season.
Top-graded Panthers in week three against the Saints:
1. Jaycee Horn – 92.4
2. Christian McCaffrey – 79.6
3. Shaq Thompson. 79.1🔒🔒🔒 pic.twitter.com/9aWkmPKGR1
— PFF CAR Panthers (@PFF_Panthers) September 26, 2022
He looks to be turning into a true shutdown corner and that is necessary for the Panthers who face Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Michael Thomas, and Drake London twice a year.
Horn even lined up all over the field on Sunday, giving him the best chance possible to make an impact.
The 2021 first-round pick played in the slot and at safety in Week 3 which is not natural for most teams’ top cornerback.
The Panthers are going to need more production out of Mayfield if they want to make serious noise this year.
But for now, Carolina seems to have a winning formula in place.
NEXT: NFL Analyst Calls Out Baker Mayfield As The Problem