Panthers: Winners and losers from their 27-24 loss to the Saints
In a game defined by high-powered offenses and lackluster defenses, the Carolina Panthers fell to 3-4 with a close 27-24 divisional loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Here are our winners and losers from today’s game.
Winner: QB Teddy Bridgewater
Bridgewater went back to New Orleans and lit up the place. The former Saints QB ended with a 128.3 passer rating, exceeding the 118.4 rating put up by Drew Brees. Bridgewater continued to establish a rapport with wide receiver D.J. Moore, connecting on this deep 74-yard touchdown and adding another red zone touchdown. Overall, Bridgewater played a clean game, throwing for 254 yards and regained the poise in the pocket that was missing last week.
Loser: Defensive coordinator Phil Snow
Any time an opposing team converts 12 of 14 third-down situations, it’s tough to win against them. The Saints did just that today, tearing apart the Panthers defense at will on third-and-whatever. 16 of New Orleans’ first downs came through the air, even without star wideouts Michael Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Phil Snow couldn’t find a plan to stop either Alvin Kamara or the backup receivers.
Winner: Panthers wide receivers
The biggest beneficiaries of Bridgewater’s electrifying performance were obviously his top two wide receivers: D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson. Moore continues to get hotter, scoring twice and finishing the game with 93 yards off just four catches. As usual, Anderson also had a productive day, bringing in six receptions for 74 yards.
Loser: RB Mike Davis
Not only did Carolina fail to contain the Saints running backs, but they also failed to establish their own run game. After a series of impressive performances by Mike Davis filling in for Christian McCaffrey, the veteran back only put up 12 total yards off seven carries. If McCaffrey can’t suit up Thursday night against the Falcons, Davis will need a bounce-back performacne.
Winner: WR/RB Curtis Samuel
The Panthers were extremely lucky to have Curtis Samuel back this week. Samuel kept Carolina’s drives alive on multiple third-downs, including his incredible diving catch as Bridgewater rolled out of the pocket. Samuel ended the game with 53 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown.
Loser: Panthers run defense
Carolina’s defense has been wildly inconsistent in stopping the run this year. Today, the Panthers allowed both Saints running backs to put up impressive stats, with Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray both running efficiently. Combined, the New Orleans 1-2 punch at running back put up 130 yards on 25 carries.
Winner: DE Brian Burns
Brian Burns is quickly becoming one of the best players on this revamped Carolina defense. In a game where the Panthers couldn’t get pressure on Brees or contain his receivers, Burns came through with seven tackles, one pass deflection, and even a highlight-worthy strip sack that was recovered by Marquis Haynes. Unfortunately, Burns can’t stop a high-powered offense alone and the Panthers should seriously consider a trade to improve their gaping hole at middle linebacker.
