Saints at Panthers Recap, Highlights, Final Score, More

The Carolina Panthers picked up a big, tough win over the New Orleans Saints, but may have lost Luke Kuechly for some time.

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The Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints got into a shootout the last time they faced off, won by Drew Brees and company. However, the Carolina defense has turned a major corner since then. So when these two NFC South rivals faced off on Thursday Night Football in Week 11, it was a different story.

Things started out slow between these two teams, even after Brees fumbled and turned it over on the Saints’ opening drive. Carolina managed just a field goal on that drive and then allowed another field goal soon after. However, it was in the second quarter when the home team got cooking. They first used a solid, long drive to get Jonathan Stewart a clear dive for six points. They then almost had a blocked field goal returned by Luke Kuechly for a touchdown. Though a penalty had it called back, Cam Newton found Ted Ginn deep to rectify it for a score. With another field goal from Graham Gano, the panthers took a 20-3 lead into halftime.

After the Panthers had the only score of the the third quarter with a field goal, the wheels started to fall off at home for Carolina in the fourth quarter. First, they lost every bit of their offensive rhythm. Even worse, they started falling apart on defense a bit. Brees got into rhythm, with the help of Tim Hightower both as a rusher and pass-catcher, and they put up 14 unanswered points.

What’s more, the visiting defense stepped up in a big way. Through the first 12 minutes of the final frame, New Orleans didn’t allow a first down. As if that weren’t enough for the Panthers, their star linebacker in Kuechly took a strange hit midway through the fourth that caused him to leave the game, being carted off. He was then evaluated for a concussion.

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Unlike last week when the Panthers folded late at home, though, Newton and company answered just enough when they needed to. With just over two minutes left, they picked up their first first-down of the fourth. New Orleans earned the ball back, but with not enough time for even Brees. The Panthers stopped the Saints desperation attempt and held on for the victory, bringing both teams to 4-6 on the year.

Three Stars

Luke Kuechly, Panthers – Prior to his injury, Kuechly was predictably phenomenal. The Carolina linebacker finished with 14 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and a pass defense to his credit. Let’s hope his concussion or any other injuries is something he recovers from quickly.

Tim Hightower, Saints – With Mark Ingram looking relatively quiet and Drew Brees having some troubles, Hightower stepped up. He finished the night with 12 carries for 69 yards and eight catches (on nine targets) for 57 yards.

The Carolina Panthers survived a late New Orleans Saints surge, but may have lost Luke Kuechly in the process of their win. Highlights, recap, more.

Kurt Coleman, Panthers – In a Carolina secondary that’s been troublesome, Coleman came up big. He came up with nine total tackles, one pass defense, and a big-time interception of Brees.

Highlights

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/799424852377513984

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/799430191969775616

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/799433190276349952

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/799437483649839104

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/799439406679494656

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/799443547241881600

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/799446084401512448

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/799462401074610177

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/799461851998220288

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/799467854877769729

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/799470061840842752

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/799471486083809281

Next Game

The Panthers play on Sunday in Week 11, going out west for a tough test against the Oakland Raiders. New Orleans will be at home in the dome, welcoming a team from out west in the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11.

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