Saints vs. Panthers 2013, Week 16: Cam Newton leads Carolina comeback

Meanwhile, Kuechly set a franchise record with 24 tackles on the day. Over at Cat Scratch Reader, James Dator writes about the mood for Panthers fans after the game:

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Wide receiver Steve Smith was forced to leave the game with what appeared to be a substantial knee injury. According to the Charlotte Observer, Smith will be getting an MRI on Monday. The leading receiver in franchise history is concerned after injuring the knee while trying to plant his foot, per the piece.

The former Utah Ute and Los Angeles native has proven to be one of the most durable players in the league, not having missed a game since 2010.

Despite being written off early by the folks who write the NFL narratives, Cam Newton finished strong, throwing a game-winning touchdown pass with less than 30 seconds left to go in a critical division game against the Saints. It was only fitting that Newton was joined by Pam Oliver for a post-game interview ... and a photobomb.

It’s not exactly the best photobomb ever. In fact, it’s a probably a reminder that we’re being photobombed by tiny microbes every time we get our mugs captured on film.

The second-year linebacker was tasked with covering the Saints’ dangerous screen passing game, which allowed him to total 24 total tackles, while adding an interception in the team’s 17-13 win. There were few defensive players he wasn’t a part of, roaming all over the field to help hold New Orleans to one touchdown.

It has been a remarkable two years for the Panthers middle linebacker. He won defensive rookie of the year honors in 2012 for recording 164 total tackles and while his season total slipped in his second year, he’s been more effective at making stops, increasing his tackles for loss and recording more interceptions.

Graham had an excellent day for the Saints, finishing with 73 yards receiving and a touchdown.

Steve Smith left in the first quarter due to a knee injury. The Panthers receiver did not return.

Float, beer cans, float!

Here’s a before-after, since the weather was pretty nice earlier in the day before turning into a Noah-esque deluge:

Sometimes you see it coming. And you know it’s about to hurt. Those are the moments that you make faces like this:

Sorry about your body, Drew Brees. But thank you for the GIF.

Smith planted on a third down pass when his left leg gave way. It appeared to be a hamstring injury, but the veteran wide receiver began immediately clutching at his knee while trainers examined him, and he was noticeably in pain. He has not missed a game in over three years, but the nature of the injury is concerning, since his leg gave way in a non-contact situation.

Smith is in his 13th season with the Panthers, and despite slowing this year he’s still vital to the Panthers passing attack. He is Cam Newton’s favorite target, and a key player on third down. It remains to be seen how Carolina will respond in their passing game without Smith.

Cam Newton’s all about Superman. We know this -- we’ve seen the celebration and the cleats and stuff. So it came as a surprise a couple weeks ago when Newton took the field in Batman cleats, shattering our understanding of his favorite superhero and our entire worlds, really. Well, now SuperCam is back to replace BatCam, and he’s got socks, too:

We’re glad to have the familiar Cam back, but don’t think we forgot about your flip-flopping, Cam. But hey, if you do feel like shoe-honoring another superhero sometime, may we suggest Hulk feet?

But which team will win on Sunday in Carolina and stand alone on top of that mountain? It’s almost as vital as a playoff game itself, with the winner taking a huge advantage with one week left to go in the regular season. Here’s a closer look at the matchup.

The addition of Newton at the top of the 2011 draft helped improve the offense from being ranked 32nd in offense to fifth, thanks to an incredible rushing attack that included a record 14 touchdowns from Newton on the ground. Still, the defense was very weak.

Game Date/Time and Location: Sunday, Dec. 22, 1 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.

TV schedule and distribution map: FOX; The506.com

It’s no secret that the Saints, who dominated the Panthers to the tune of 31-13 from the comfort of their own Superdome, are a different team on the road. New Orleans sports a 3-4 record on the road, and an umblemished 7-0 mark at home. Carolina is 6-1 at home, and favored to even the season series on Sunday.

Carolina opened up as 2.5-point favorites for the matchup early in the week. The line moved further in their favor throughout the week, with most sites settling with Carolina as the 3-point favorite, though one site went as far as 3.5 points, according to OddsShark.

But the Saints are a different team on the road. All of their four losses have come on the road, and the Panthers have been solid at home. Carolina is 10-4 and a win will guarantee a spot in the playoffs, though the NFC South would still be up for grabs the following week.

Of SB Nation’s panel of six experts, four are going with the Panthers to win -- Ryan Van Bibber, Jason Chilton, Stephen White and David Fucillo. But two believe the Saints will overcome their road woes to win -- Joel Thorman and Matt Ufford.

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