Defensive miscues, dropped passes, and costly turnovers proved to be too much for the New Orleans Saints to overcome, as they were defeated today by the Carolina Panthers by a score of 35 to 27.
The Saints’ offense, missing in action a week ago, played very well, producing a nice, balanced attack. QB Drew Brees passed for 325 yards and a touchdown score. The running game, which was absent last week, gained 163 yards and averaged 6 yards per attempt. Nonetheless, two interceptions from Brees (one of which resulted in 7 points for Carolina) and multiple dropped passes stunted any chance for maximum offensive success.
The defense looked just as inept this week as it did against Washington. Carolina ran the ball an amazing 41 times for 219 yards. By committing to the run, the Panthers were able to sustain multiple drives down the field. Cam Newton played an extremely efficient game, completing 14 of 20 passes for 244 yards and a score, all the while not throwing any interceptions. He also carried the ball 13 times for 71 yards, providing Carolina a huge dual threat that New Orleans was unable to account for.
With this loss, the Saints drop to 0-2. They will face the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday in New Orleans.
