CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Panthers’ extended their incredible winning streak to 16 consecutive regular games after putting up more points than the high-flying Saints in an offensive duel.
In a back-and-forth game that had multiple lead changes in the second half, Carolina sustained one more drive than New Orleans. Cam Newton put up some of his best statistics of his career, throwing for 331 yards, 5 touchdowns, and running for another 49.
For the 23rd consecutive game, the Panthers ran the ball for over 100 yards, picking up an impressive 175 yards on the ground behind Stewart’s 82 yards.
Three turnovers in the first half showed that this undefeated team is vulnerable and is certainly no stranger to making mistakes. In fact, this game was riddled with mistakes. Ted Ginn dropped two touchdown passes on a fly and post route, Cam Newton overthrew Corey Brown on a play that had scoring potential, and the field goal kicking unit allowed an extra point to be returned the other way for a 2-point conversion.
The Panthers have moments of brilliance and moments of carelessness. However, when a big play needs to be made, someone makes a play. For instance, on 4th and 4 with only a couple minutes left, Greg Olsen made a game-saving grab that was millimeters away from the grass. Players like Cam, Norman, and Kuechly get most of the media attention, but without Olsen, the Panthers wouldn’t be undefeated or nearly the same team they are when he is on the field.
That said, Cam is inching closer to the very top of the MVP conversation, as the combination of his 5 TD passes and the Patriots’ loss likely positions him over Tom Brady. The two quarterbacks have different stat sheets and playing styles, but Newton has had the most will to win of any player in the league this year.
Although the Saints are a tough team to stop at home, the Panthers’ defense did not look like the same unit that strangled Romo and the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. Yes, Brees is one of the all-time great quarterbacks, but having to score 41 points to win is not a formula to stick to and Carolina should thank New Orleans’ soft coverage for the win.
Different week, same story, right? The Panthers come away with a win, but still have plenty of flaws to clean up for next week. Big plays determined the game and the Panthers put together one more drive than the Saints to stay perfect. They don’t have to blow teams out to win because Rivera is proving himself to be the calmest head coach under pressure.
Carolina clinched the NFC South title today and will likely force the NFC playoff road to go through Charlotte, barring a late season collapse. As of now, fans should no longer worry about the regular season and should look towards the postseason.
In the NFC, Arizona looks deadly with a combination of a big-play offense and stingy secondary. The Seahawks are reappearing as the defensive force that lead them to consecutive Super Bowls. The Packers have Aaron Rodgers. The point is that Carolina can get away with a handful of mistakes against a hapless Saints defense, but a team like the Cardinals would have beaten the Panthers today.
Their record is perfect, Cam’s smile is perfect, but the Panthers’ play is not perfect. Newton sometimes needs a reminder of how strong his arm is, Ted Ginn needs stickier gloves, and the defense cannot surrender 38 points. Yet, their resilience in this game is only rivaled this season by the comeback in the Seahawks game. The Panthers were down by 14 early, but never gave up. Their ‘keep pounding’ mantra is truly coming to life. 12 down, 7 to go.
