The Saints did nothing offensively for 55 minutes. Then Derek Carr decided to seal the fate of the match at the very end of the match.
New Orleans Saints (6-7) – Carolina Panthers (1-12): 28-6
It was believed that the Saints decided not to play the entire second half of the game. Until Derek Carr (18/26, 119 yards 2 TD, 1 int) sent a 33-yard bomb for AT Perry at the end of 4e quarter time. In fact, the Saints had only planned to play the last five minutes, scoring two touchdowns in quick succession. Perfect to forget the offensive mush that both teams served up for 55 minutes.
The Panthers vaguely tried throughout the match, Bryce Young (13/36, 137 yards, 1 lost fumble) did what he could, his offensive line leaving him little time to find his rare targets. Chuba Hubbard (23 races, 87 yards) and Miles Sanders (10 races, 74 yards) tried to make their contribution, without success.
You have to wait until the start of 2e quarter time to see points scored thanks to a race from Alvin Kamara (12 races, 56 yards, 1 TD). The Saints, however, had a great opportunity when Jordan Howell forced a fumble on a sack, recovered in the opposing half. Without success.
The first half mainly gives pride of place to defenses. That of New Orleans holds up well with 122 yards allowed. But Carolina is not to be pitied with only 115 yards gained for the Saints attack. The difference ? It is done on the special team of New Orleans, in particular Nephi Sewell who succeeds in hitting the ball while Carolina wanted to free itself. D'Marco Jackson recovers and runs 8 yards for another touchdown five minutes before the break. 14-3 for the locals returning to the locker room.
A nice pass and then that's it
Despite the opposing lead, the Panthers cornerbacks have no intention of giving up. Jaycee Horn takes a ready-made touchdown from the hands of Chris Olave (4 rec, 28 yards, 1 TD) after the break. The best action of the match at that moment and which gives the Panthers a real chance to come back.
Seat belt. pic.twitter.com/ZDO8yXbQbO
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 10, 2023
Chance that Carolina is not really going to seize… The Panthers in front of the goal on the next possession thanks to a superb 48-yard run by Miles Sanders. But a questionable play-call and an authoritarian sack from Demario Davis prevent the Panthers from taking more than three points. Even worse at the start of 4e quarter-time with a new sack which pushes Eddy Pineiro back for a 41-yard shot which he misses.
Note that we haven't talked about the Saints since returning from the locker room. And for good reason: they only gained 11 yards on their first three drives. Fortunately, Derek Carr saves face with a 33-yard pass to rookie AT Perry. Behind, he sends Chris Olave to the promised land with less than six minutes to play. 21-6 for the Saints. Mass is said in New Orleans. The Saints add some form with a final touchdown from Jimmy Graham (2 rec, 16 yards, 1 TD) in the role of the prodigal son since his return to Louisiana.
The NFC South title race is completely relaunched: three teams are in six wins and seven losses. But will the qualified team advance to the playoffs? Nothing is less sure.
