The NFC South quarterbacks will face off in Week 1 and clear up doubts

Derek Carr and Bryce Young are two quarterbacks who have been under significant pressure in the offseason, with analysts predicting both will lead their teams to subpar results in 2024. As the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints begin their 2024 NFL seasons, can the two division rivals disappoint their critics with solid performances?

Week 1 features an NFC South divisional duel that features a thrilling quarterback duel. The outcome of Sunday's showdown between second-year player Bryce Young and veteran Derek Carr could give Who Dats and Panthers fans answers about the 2024 season, as the division is still up for grabs.

New Orleans signed Derek Carr to a massive four-year, $150 million contract to be their franchise's quarterback, hoping he would stabilize the Saints' quarterback position after Jameis Winston's injuries and Andy Dalton's inconsistency plagued the team in recent seasons.

On the other hand, Derek Carr begins his second season with the Saints after signing as a free agent in 2023. The four-time Pro Bowler put up solid numbers in his first year in New Orleans, completing 68.4% of his passes for 3,878 yards, scoring 25 touchdowns and only eight interceptions.

Still, it was unforgivable to Saints fans that he delivered a 9-8 season and the club missed the playoffs for the third year in a row. Carr will need to give the Saints a steady hand as they try to get back into the playoffs.

In the meantime, Carr will be looking to build on the chemistry he established last season with weapons like Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and Alvin Kamara. But who will be his third wideout and can the team find a reliable option at tight end?

This Week 1 clash offers both quarterbacks the opportunity to start their 2024 season on a positive note.

When these teams met in Week 14 of 2023, the Saints dominated with a 28-6 victory. Young struggled mightily, completing just 13 of 36 passes for 137 yards and taking four sacks. He will be eager to prove he has grown from the experience and can compete against a division rival.

Young, a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, enters his second season hoping to build on his challenging rookie season. Young threw for 2,877 yards with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as a rookie for the Panthers.

The former Alabama star and Heisman Trophy winner showed potential but struggled with consistency due to a weak offensive line, completing only 59.8% of his passes.

Young hopes to take a step forward in his development and showcase the talent that made him the first overall draft pick while facing an experienced Saints defense led by linebacker Demario Davis.

The Panthers' success this season will depend in large part on Young's progress as the Panthers enter a new era under head coach Dave Canales.

Can Bryce Young take a step forward in his development and showcase the talent that made him a top 2023 draft pick? Has Carolina done enough to provide him with offensive weapons this season?

For Derek Carr, the question is simple. Can the veteran signal-caller rise above the “average” rating of his game and develop into the “elite” quarterback New Orleans has needed since Drew Brees retired? And have the Saints given him the offensive line that will keep him upright and allow him to make the right decisions when distributing the ball without constantly putting him under pressure?

Sunday's game at the newly renovated Caesars Superdome is an exciting test for both quarterbacks as the NFC South season begins. With the road to Super Bowl LIX beginning in New Orleans in Week 1, Sunday's battle could set the tone for both teams.