Panthers Beat Saints on Thursday Night; Keep Season Alive
Despite losing starters Luke Kuechly, Ryan Kalil, Mario Addison and other during the game to injuries, the Panthers jumped out to a 20-3 halftime lead and held on late to defeat the visiting New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football. The win brings the Panthers record to 4-6, and puts them just two games behind the NFC South Division leading Atlanta Falcons. The win also put the Panthers just two games out of a wild card spot in the NFC playoff race as well.
The Panthers defense played well against a high-powered Saints offense lead by Drew Brees, holding them to just a field goal through the first three quarters, before surrendering 17 in the final quarter. Brees threw for 285 yards, two touchdowns and one interception and was sacked three times with a fumble lost. Tim HIghtower lead the Saints ground game with 69 yards rushing on 12 carries and rookie receiver Michael Thomas lead the Saints receivers with 68 yards on 5 receptions.
Cam Newton lead the Panthers attack throwing for 192 yards with one touchdown to Ted Ginn after an incredible blocked field goal that was returned to the 40 yard line by Kuechly. Jonathan Stewart ran for just 31 yards on 18 carries and Kelvin Benjamin lead the Panthers in yards through the air with 56 on three catches. Panthers kicker Graham Gano also was 3 for 3 on field goal attempts.
The Panthers (4-6) will now have a mini bye-week with 10 days before their next game, and will need all 10 days with the amount of injuries that occurred during the game, none more important than the injury to star linebacker Luke Kuechly, who had to be carted off the field and could be seen visibly crying. Many Panther fans are fearing the worst for Kuechly, but we all hope for the best.
The Panther now will look ahead to a crucial two game stretch, two games on the west coast against the Oakland Raiders (7-3) and the Seattle Seahawks (5-2-1). These two games will make or break the Panthers 2016 season.
Keep Pounding!
