The Carolina Panthers moved to 1-12 following their Week 14 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Here’s everything we know from the latest defeat:
Final score: Saints 28, Panthers 6
Keys to the game
- In a game of two struggling offenses, the Saints made moves when they mattered most. From their fumble recovery for a touchdown on punter Johnny Hekker to the 44-yard reception in the fourth quarter by rookie receiver A.T. Perry, New Orleans came up with the splash plays Carolina never could.
- The Panthers offense struggled behind one of the worst outings of the season for quarterback Bryce Young, who didn’t possess the greatest of touch on his throws. He completed just 13 of his 35 passing attempts for 137 yards.
- Young didn’t get much help in the process either, as his wideouts couldn’t catch or separate consistently. He was also hit seven times and taken down for four sacks.
It was over when . . .
Down 14-6 with just over 12 minutes remaining, the Panthers set up shop at their own 24-yard line. Seven plays and 40 yards later, they stood at the Saints’ 36-yard line on a fourth-and-1.
Unfortunately for Young, running back Raheem Blackshear slipped on his route, causing an incompletion and a turnover on downs. New Orleans quickly cashed in with a five-play, 64-yard touchdown drive to extend their lead to 21-6 at the 5:59 mark of the fourth quarter.
Players of the game
- DT Derrick Brown: 10 tackles, quarterback hit, interception
- RB Chuba Hubbard: 23 carries, 87 rushing yards, two receptions, nine receiving yards
- RB Miles Sanders: 10 carries, 74 yards
What's next?
The Panthers (1-12) will lock horns with their third straight NFC South opponent, as they host the Atlanta Falcons (6-7) in Week 15.
