When many were forecasting the top teams in the NFC this season, the New Orleans Saints were often overlooked. They likely took this to heart.
The Saints have shown they can compete as serious Super Bowl contenders in the early part of the season, though it’s only been two weeks.
Their decisive win against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1 was largely dismissed due to the Panthers’ struggles. However, after a dominant victory over the Dallas Cowboys on the road, New Orleans has emerged as a contender on the radar.
New Orleans dominated Dallas, amassing 432 total yards in their victory. Quarterback Derek Carr had an impressive performance, passing for 243 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.
In the second quarter, Carr scored a rushing touchdown and celebrated with a tribute to the late Michael Jackson. He has since been fined $14,000 for the celebration, which included a crotch grab. Here’s a video of the play and the celebration.
.@derekcarrqb sneaks it in to extend the @Saints lead to 35-13!
📺: #NOvsDAL on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/WBsGp2p16k— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024
The fine by the NFL is another example of why the league has been called “The No Fun League” over the years. This particular fine did seem a little excessive, especially since Carr wasn’t penalized during the game for the celebration.
But the Saints quarterback will likely take the fine in stride since his team came away with the massive win.
New Orleans is going to need Carr to continue playing with this type of confidence if they want to reach the postseason. On the year, he has thrown for 443 yards with five touchdowns and one interception.
He has been the catalyst for the Saints’ rise this season as he looks more comfortable in year two in the New Orleans system. Carr is in the second year of a four-year contract that he signed with the team during the 2023 offseason.
Entering the year, there was some thought that Carr could be in a quarterback competition at some point in the year. But so far, he has shut any of that talk down with his tremendous play.
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