Carolina Panthers top New Orleans Saints in 22-14 division matchup
The Carolina Panthers finally snapped a nine game losing streak with a much needed win in front of the home crowd at Bank of America Stadium over the New Orleans Saints.
Phil Snow’s Defensive unit pulled off their first takeaway of the season on the Saints second possession when Frankie Luvu stripped Alvin Kamara allowing Marquis Haynes to score on a 44 yard fumble recovery. Panthers up 7-0 with 5:32 left in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Eddy Pineiro capped a 10 play 40 yard drive with a 45 yard field goal and Carolina led 10-0. With 2:56 left in the half Pineiro was good from 48 yards out and the Panthers went into the locker room at the half up 13-0.
Matt Rhule’s hungry squad kept the pressure on with a shutout into the 4th quarter until 1st and goal for New Orleans with 12:31 left in the game and Mark Ingram scored on a 5 yard run on a 10 play 89 yard drive that pulled them within six.
Baker Mayfield answered the call on the next possession when he went up top to Laviska Shenault Jr. for a big 67 yard touchdown pass that made it 19-7 Carolina with 12:06 left in the game.
Then the defense forced their second turnover of the game when Jaycee Horn tipped Jameis Winston’s pass and Derrick Brown came down with the timely interception.
Eddie Pineiro stepped up to finish the scoring drive with a 34 yard field goal and the Saints trailed 22-7 with 8:19 left in the final quarter.
The Carolina offense still struggled this week with 4/14 on third down conversions. New Orleans tried to rally late when Winston connected with Marquez Callaway on a 4 yard score but the Panthers held on for a 22-14 win.
