The New Orleans Saints provided another heart-wrenching conclusion to a thoroughly entertaining game against Carolina, defeating the Panthers 30-27. The opposition gave the Saints all that they could handle, almost pulling off the upset. Both the offense and defense played well during different points, but shortcomings in some units almost led to a loss.

Pass Offense: A

What else can you say about Drew Brees that already hasn’t been said? The Saints are incredibly fortunate to have Brees as a member of their organization. The stats posted against Carolina were impressive (32 of 45, 359 yards, 2 touchdowns), but the really amazing aspect of Brees’ performance was saved for the end of the game. On the game-clinching drive, Brees completed 8 of 9 passes for 80 yards and had total control of the offense. When the Saints seemed out of the game and about to lose control, Brees always seemed to come up big and rally his offense. The receiving corps was solid, highlighted by Jimmy Graham with 8 catches for 129 yards. His progression this season continues to be very exciting for Sean Payton and Saints fans alike.

Run Offense: B

The running back rotation of Thomas, Sproles, and Ingram wasn’t as effective as it has been in previous weeks, only averaging 3.6 yards per attempt as a group. Nonetheless, the unit as a whole was effective, and the Panthers defense had to account for the run. The up-and-down nature of the game, as well as Brees’ great effectiveness in the passing game, disallowed for any real rhythm to be established with any of the backs. As long as the running game isn’t a hinderance to the offense, it is doing fine in the eyes of Sean Payton.

Pass Defense: C+

Given that Cam Newton was absolutely on fire the first 4 weeks of the season, giving up 224 yards of passing and 2 touchdowns on 16 of 31 can be chalked up as a minor victory. Nonetheless, the big play continues to haunt the Saints secondary. As we saw with Houston, the deep threat at wide receiver is something that New Orleans has trouble accounting for. This week, Steve Smith continued his great year by accumulated 79 yards on 3 catches, one of which was for 54 yards and a touchdown. That play, and the subsequent bush league late hit from Roman Harper, really swayed the momentum back towards the Panthers. Fans started to get back into it, and both the Carolina offense and defense fed off of all the energy. If the Saints want to win in convincing fashions, the elimination of the big play will be a high priority.

Run Defense: B-

Carolina RB DeAngelo Williams was able to contribute 115 yards on only 9 carries and a touchdown. That touchdown, however, came on a 69 yard option run that no one was expecting. Other than that mishap, the Saints run defense looked good. With as much back-and-forth scoring that took place, however, it is difficult to gauge the overall consistency of the run defense. The Panthers ran the ball 24 times, but 7 of those attempts were from QB Cam Newton. Nonetheless, despite the long run, the New Orleans run defense looks much improved from earlier this season.

Special Teams: A

K John Kasay has been a great addition, and he was perfect Sunday, hitting all three field goal attempts in what turned out to be a very close game. Thomas Morstead continues to be solid. Darren Sproles didn’t have any kickoff returns, and the lone punt return he did receive accounted for negative yardage. Kickoff/punt coverage units continue to improve as well. Overall, this is a solid unit, and its consistency, especially from Kasay, directly led to the win.

Coaching: B

After the opening drive interception of Cam Newton by Patrick Robinson, the Saints scored a touchdown and added a field goal on their next drive. After those two drives, the Saints seemed to get complacent and made foolish mistakes. The 54 yarder to Steve Smith not only gave the Panthers points, but provided the critical emotional spark for the entire team.

The late hit from Roman Harper took that spark and made it into a full-fledged blaze. Harper, who is a veteran guy and considered to be a leader, made one of the most bone-headed late hits in recent memory. He has to be smarter than that, and the coaching staff has to take some responsibility. The subsequent late hit calls, which were arguably very questionable, didn’t help as well. As good as a job as it does in game-planning and halftime adjustments, the coaching staff needs to be able to calm down the team and have the entire unit play smartly.

Bottom Line

The Carolina Panthers have the foundation of a good team in the future. Cam Newton looks much better than anyone expected, and with a few more pieces, the future for this team looks bright. The Panthers gave everything they had on Sunday, and almost pulled off the upset. Drew Brees continues to prove why he is an elite NFL quarterback, and the offense continues to hum along, keeping the team alive in every game. The defense needs to improve, especially in defending the big play. Emotions run high in football, but need to be controlled by veteran players in key moments during the game. Overall, a good performance this week from the black and gold, but certainly there is a lot to improve upon.