The Carolina Panthers faced a devastating defeat against the New Orleans Saints, losing 47-10, in a game that started poorly and continued to spiral out of control.
In the first quarter, the Panthers struggled immediately. The Saints capitalized on their opening drive, with quarterback Derek Carr connecting with Rashid Shaheed for a 59-yard touchdown after the Panthers’ defense failed to provide safety support. The Panthers’ attempt to respond resulted in a quick turnover, as Bryce Young threw an ill-timed pass that was intercepted. Although the Panthers’ defense managed to force a field goal after a 57-yard attempt, the offensive woes persisted, with Young misfiring on several plays. The Saints extended their lead with another touchdown from Carr, ending the quarter with the Panthers in a 17-0 deficit.
The second quarter was no better for the Panthers. A promising 3rd and 1 was negated by a holding penalty, and Young suffered a sack by an unblocked defender. The Saints added to their lead with another field goal, following a fumble from Jonathan Mingo that halted the Panthers’ drive. The Panthers remained stagnant, failing to capitalize on opportunities and allowing the Saints to score yet again, putting the Panthers at a 23-0 disadvantage before they could muster their first points with a field goal late in the half.
In the third quarter, the Panthers’ struggles continued. Despite showing some promise with a touchdown scramble from Young, after a series of mishaps and a critical defensive pass interference that kept the Saints’ drive alive, the Panthers couldn’t find a rhythm. The Saints continued to take control, scoring yet again before the end of the quarter.
The fourth quarter saw no signs of revival for the Panthers. Following a blocked punt, the Saints quickly scored another touchdown. Though the Panthers advanced into scoring position after a big gain, the drive stalled once more at the red zone. The Saints pulled their starters and managed to maintain their dominance, leading to a lackluster finish where both teams merely ran out the clock.
This game was a total collapse for the Panthers, showcasing failures on both offense and defense. The team’s performance highlighted the need for improvement in various areas, especially as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Chargers at home next week.