Rod Walker: 3 things we learned in Saints’ thrilling comeback victory over Carolina Panthers
The New Orleans Saints rallied for a 20-17 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at Caesars Superdome. Here are three things we learned.
Shough’s the guy
Yeah, I know I said this after Tyler Shough’s first game against the Panthers back in November when he completed 19 of 27 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns in a 17-7 victory. Well, I’m even more convinced now and you probably should be too after Sunday. Especially after watching Shough drive the Saints 78 yards in seven plays late in the fourth quarter to tie the game 17-17. Shough showed plenty of poise and accuracy on the drive, completing six of seven passes. Then he used his arms and legs to set up the game-winning field goal. He completed 24 of 32 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown and was oh so clutch late.
Gritty effort
One thing you can say about the Saints is they haven’t quit on Kellen Moore despite the struggles of this season. The Panthers came into the Dome with plenty to play for, clinging to a half game lead in the NFC South over Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Saints don’t have much to play for other than trying to play spoiler for a second consecutive week. They knocked off the Bucs last week. Now they have beaten the Panthers for a second time this season. They are 3-1 this season against the two teams jockeying to win the division. That’s a sign of progress. And they have three winnable games remaining against the Jets, Titans and Falcons.
Defense comes up
The defense continues to step up. The Saints D has held Panthers’ quarterback Bryce Young to under 171 passing yards every time it has faced him. Young finished with 161 yards in this one. But it was the Saints’ Young (defensive end Chase Young) that came up big. Chase Young sacked Bryce Young on first down on Carolina’s next to last drive of the game. Then two plays later, Chase Young chased down Bryce Young to force fourth down. The Saints took advantage and scored on a Charlie Smyth field goal. The Saints defense, much like Shough, came up big when it was needed.
