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Carolina Panthers: The Five Best Rivalries 3.0

By John Woodcock

Dec 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks to pass the ball during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks to pass the ball during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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2. New Orleans Saints

carolina panthers
Sep 27, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) catches the ball as New Orleans Saints cornerback Brandon Browner (39) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Series Record: 24-20

Key Panthers Win: 2013

13. 15. 17. 87. Final

The Saints have played the Panthers twice a year since 1995. Both teams are located in the South and both teams have waxed and waned over the course of the series. The John Fox Panthers’ last bid for dominance flamed out in a playoff loss to the Cardinals, and that was just in time for the Sean Payton–Drew Brees Saints teams to take off on a Super Bowl run of their own.

When the Panthers hired Ron Rivera, it was the Saints that were the team to beat. This followed the 49ers, Rams, and Bucs in similar times in the team’s history. In 2013, the Panthers looked like they had figured things behind Cam Newton. Then the Saints rolled the Panthers in New Orleans.

Despite that setback, the Panthers were still in the division race when the Saints came to Charlotte. The Panthers got a muddy effort, but Newton got them through. That ultimately gained the Panthers a bye for their first playoff appearance in the Rivera Era.

While called the Saints, New Orleans is the team that has the biggest reputation for dirty play that the Panthers face.

The Panthers swept the Saints despite two close games in the 2015-6 season.

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