At 0-2 while riding a league-worst nine-game losing streak, the Carolina Panthers desperately needed some juice to start their Week 3 matchup against the visiting New Orleans Saints. Luckily, the thirst has been quenched.
Up 13-0 with 42 seconds remaining in the first half, the Panthers set up to defend a 30-yard field goal attempt from Saints kicker Wil Lutz. And, boy, was it ever defended—as defensive end Henry Anderson blocked the try to preserve the lead into the break.
Henry Anderson came through with the BLOCK 💪 pic.twitter.com/8TI7I5OsU7
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 25, 2022
In addition to the winless skid, the Panthers also came into Sunday without a takeaway in their previous five games. That was snapped in the first quarter by linebacker Frankie Luvu and defensive end Marquis Haynes Sr.—who, respectively, stripped and scooped up a fumble from New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara.
After Luvu ripped the ball out, Haynes Sr. picked the pigskin up for a 44-yard touchdown return. Carolina held the New Orleans offense to 162 yards and just five first downs in the half.