The New Orleans Saints will open the season against the Carolina Panthers, and spectators should plan on wearing blackout clothing. Newly crowned team captain Taysom Hill announced the decision on the Saints’ social media page.
So the Saints will start the season in the same combination as last season: black jerseys with matching black pants. Hopefully New Orleans goes home with the same result.
The team has the most wins with this matchup since 2006, 54-37 during that span. They’ll be aiming for 55 wins on Sunday.
If you’re curious (or just a little superstitious), here’s how it compares to the other jerseys used since 2006 (not counting the controversial gold jerseys worn in a 2003 loss):
December 4, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Legendary New Orleans Saints quarterbacks Archie Manning and kicker Morten Andersen and Hall of Fame linebacker Rickey Jackson watch as quarterback Drew Brees (9) runs to the sideline after the coin toss before a game against the Detroit Lions at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Lions defeated the Saints 28-13. Mandatory Photo Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 13: The New Orleans Saints offensive line in the 3rd quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on October 13, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Harry Aaron/Getty Images)
November 11, 2018; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Eli Apple (25) celebrates with teammates running back Mark Ingram (22) and outside linebacker Demario Davis (56) after intercepting a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Photo Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
February 7, 2010; Miami, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas (23) leaps into the end zone for a touchdown during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Photo Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
September 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) signals a Carolina Panthers turnover in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Photo Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
January 2, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive backs Marshon Lattimore (23) and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (22) of the New Orleans Saints dance on the sidelines during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Caesars Superdome. The Saints won 18-10. Mandatory Photo Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 21: Perry #17 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates with Rashid Shaheed #22 after scoring a 35-yard touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter of the game at SoFi Stadium on December 21, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
January 8, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) reacts to a tackle against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Photo Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
