Sunday afternoon was supposed to provide a breath of fresh air for Carolina Panthers fans. But all it brought, at least so far, was a nasty stench of nuclear proportions.

The Panthers were thoroughly thrashed throughout the first half of their 2024 regular-season opener against the New Orleans Saints—entering the break in a 30-3 hole.

That deficit was well-earned, as Carolina has been bested by New Orleans at every turn. They've gained just 74 total yards to the Saints' 229, haven't stopped the opposing offense once and fell short in the takeaway battle—two to none.

One of those turnovers came courtesy of quarterback Bryce Young—and on the very first play of the campaign, no less. Meanwhile, Derek Carr was made to look like the second coming of Drew Brees, as he completed 12 of his 16 throws for 121 yards and three touchdowns.

Needless to say, the Carolina faithful didn't have much faith at halftime . . .

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers fans react to horrendous opening half of 2024 season