'MNF' preview: Bryce Young aims to rebound after rough NFL debut

The Carolina Panthers will attempt to capture their first win in the Frank Reich era as they host the New Orleans Saints on "Monday Night Football." Here's what to watch in the NFC South showdown: 

When the Panthers are on offense

Bryce Young's response to a tough debut: The No. 1 pick struggled in his first career game, completing 20-of-38 passes for 146 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in Carolina's 24-10 loss to Atlanta. After the game, Young took accountability for the loss, placing the blame solely on his shoulders. 

"Not good; not good enough to win," Young said of his performance via the team website. "Made crucial turnovers, which [I] can't do, especially where they happened. We didn't score enough to win, and again, that falls on me.”

With Young's longest pass in his debut being tight end Hayden Hurst's 16-yard touchdown, Reich told reporters the goal for Monday is to incorporate "more explosive plays." 

Could D.J. Chark ignite the passing attack?: Carolina signed the one-time Pro Bowler to a one-year deal worth $5M this offseason after he spent last season with Detroit, but a hamstring injury forced him to miss the season opener. While his 1,008-yard 2019 season appears to be an outlier, Chark could emerge as a trusted weapon in a Carolina offense that is still figuring out who the top option is.

Listed as questionable for Monday's game, Chark appears to be in line to play after being a full participant in Saturday's practice.

New Orleans' stingy defense: While Chark's return could help Young rebound, the Saints won't let him off easy, especially against an offensive line that won't have guards Brady Christensen and Austin Corbett. New Orleans intercepted three passes from Tennessee quarterback Ryan Tannehill and sacked him three times. 

If history is any indication, the Saints should see similar success on Monday as they collected five sacks in two games against Carolina last season.

What does the backfield usage look like?: Carolina signed former Eagles running back Miles Sanders to a four-year, $25.4M deal this offseason, expecting him to be a three-down workhorse back. Despite rushing for 72 yards and catching four passes for 26 yards, Sanders wasn't as effective as backup Chuba Hubbard, so it'll be intriguing to see how Reich distributes the carries in Week 2.

Hubbard, a fourth-round pick in 2021, was the second-highest-graded running back in Week 1 based on Pro Football Focus' rushing metrics (82.1), after tallying 60 yards on the ground while averaging 6.7 yards per carry.

When the Saints are on offense

Receiving corps poised for another productive outing: There was plenty of optimism about New Orleans' underrated wide receiver group heading into the season, thanks to the quarterback upgrade in Derek Carr. The enthusiasm around the unit was justified in its 16-15 win over Tennessee, with three wideouts recording at least five receptions and more than 60 yards.  

Carolina allowed the 10th-most passing yards last season (3,868) and with top cornerback Jaycee Horn out with a hamstring injury, Carr and the passing attack should have another solid showing.

RB Jamaal Williams: Last season’s rushing touchdown leader didn’t amount to much against Tennessee's stout run defense, totaling 52 yards on 20 touches. Even so, with his high rushing volume and advantageous matchup, Williams should be far more productive against Carolina. 

The Panthers allowed 130 rushing yards (on five yards per carry) in addition to two touchdowns to Atlanta's running backs and should have more trouble against a New Orleans offensive line that is a competent run-blocking unit. 

OLB Brian Burns aims to improve his value: The two-time Pro Bowler kicked off his contract year on a high note, racking up seven tackles, two sacks and forcing a fumble against Atlanta. On Saturday, Burns revealed that extension talks are "on hold" so that he can devote his full attention to the team.

If he builds upon last week's success, Burns should be on his way to accomplishing his goal of registering 10 sacks by Carolina's 10th game of the season and, in turn, secure his desired massive extension. 

QB Derek Carr could be the key to taking a series lead: Entering Monday's action, these teams are tied 28-28 in their regular season series, and luckily for New Orleans, the Panthers are yet to defeat Carr in his career. 

Although it's just a two-game sample size, it's still worth mentioning that Carr has completed 70.6% of his passes for 554 yards with three touchdowns and one interception against Carolina.