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Carolina Panthers: Beat New Orleans, Still in Playoff Hunt

By Horran Cameron

Nov 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates with wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) after a touchdown in the game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Saints 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates with wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) after a touchdown in the game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Saints 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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On this past Thursday night, the Carolina Panthers (4-6) avenged their loss to the New Orleans Saints (4-6). Carolina won the second matchup between these two teams by the score of 23-20.

This win came at a hefty price, however. Carolina’s star linebacker Luke Kuechly left the game with a concussion. His status for the next several games remains unknown at the moment. Images of Kuechly after his concussion invaded social media a great deal for the past several days.

Nov 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) rides the cart after an injury in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Saints 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) rides the cart after an injury in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Saints 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Panther’s quarterback Cam Newton completed 14 of his 33 passes for 192 yards with one touchdown. His lone passing touchdown was a 40-yard heave to Ted Ginn, Jr. The touchdown had to be reviewed because it looked like Ginn did not have his feet inside the filed at a first glance. After the officials reviewed the catch, Ginn was given the touchdown.

This touchdown came after the Panthers blocked a Saints’ field goal that was returned by Kuechly for a touchdown. Kuechly’s touchdown was called back due to a block in the back by fellow Panthers’ teammate James Bradberry.

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On offense, Jonathan Stewart finished the game with 18 rushes for 31 yards and one touchdown. Despite leaving the game briefly due to injury, Kelvin Benjamin caught three receptions for 56 yards. Newton’s favorite receiver, tight end Greg Olsen, had four catches for 33 yards.

Carolina stopped a late comeback by Drew Brees and the Saints in the fourth quarter to secure the win. New Orleans trailed the Panthers 23-3 entering the fourth quarter. The Saints scored 17 unanswered points behind Brees’ touchdown passes to Coby Fleener and Brandon Coleman along with a field goal from placekicker Wil Lutz.

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Carolina wins games in an ugly fashion this season. Last season, they blew teams out en route to a 15-1 record to end the regular season.

This victory against New Orleans keeps Carolina’s playoff hopes alive. They sit in third place (tied with New Orleans) in the NFC South Division behind the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Buccaneers.

The Panthers must win their division to guarantee a spot in the playoffs. They must win the rest of their regular season games to make this happen.

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