The Carolina Panthers defeated the New Orleans Saints by a score of 35-27 Sunday behind the arm and legs of quarterback Cam Newton. The second-year player out of Auburn was efficient while scoring a touchdown on the ground and through the air.
Saints Vs. Panthers Game Recap: Cam Newton Leads Carolina To 35-27 Win
The Saints jumped on top 7-0 early in the first quarter when Drew Brees connected with Jimmy Graham on a one-yard touchdown pass that capped an 11-play, 80-yard opening drive.
Panthers strong safety Charles Godfrey tied the game when he picked off Brees for a nine-yard score. The Saints responded with two field goals to push their lead to 13-7, but it was all Carolina from there.
Carolina came back with three-straight touchdown drives to blow the game open. The Saints recovered to pull within 28-20 in the fourth, but the Panthers answered immediately with a 6-play, 80-yard drive capped off by a Newton touchdown run that built the lead to 35-20.
The Saints closed to 35-27 late, but were unable to recover the onside kick. New Orleans did get one last chance, but Brees threw another interception.
Fantasy studs/duds: The quarterbacks made things happen passing the ball and rushing the ball. Newton completed 14/20 for 253 yards with a touchdown and also carried 13 times for 71 yards and a touchown. Brees was 31/49 for 325 and a touchdown while also rushing for a score. His two interceptions do hurt.
The Panthers defense forced three turnovers and scored, so hooray for their owners. The Saints defense forced a turnover, but gave up plenty of yards and didn’t score, Not a great day.
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Odds/Gambling The Saints were favored, so obviously they didn’t cover.
All NFL odds can be found on SB Nation’s NFL odds page.
Injury info The gave was relatively free of injuries. Brees looked to go down with a leg injury, but didn’t leave the game. Wide receiver Steve Smith was carted off at one point, but it turned out to just be dehydration and cramping.
Next Up: The Saints return home to face the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. The Panthers host the New York Giants at 8:20 p.m. ET on Thursday Night Football.
For more on the Saints, check out Canal Street Chronicles. For all things Panthers, head to Cat Scratch Reader.
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