Well, we've got the makings of a thriller so far in this game, as the Saints and Panthers have traded touchdowns, field goals, interceptions, and long runs on their way to a 24-17 Saints lead at the half.
Marques Colston has 6 catches for 129 yards and 2 TDs, while Chris Ivory has 7 carries for 64 yards, including a 35-yard TD. Drew Brees is looking pretty good, 16 of 23 for 249 and 2 TDs, but he did throw an INT in Panthers territory that killed a drive.
On defense, Patrick Robinson picked off Cam Newton in the end zone, but other than that, the Saints have not figured out how to stop the Carolina offense, which has 130 rushing yards (with a 29-yard TD run), and 101 passing yards.
Another note I'd like to make is that the refs seem to be letting much contact during and after the plays go on from both teams, so I wouldn't be surprised to see a fight break out if they don't clamp down on it.
Make the jump for the stats and the Second Half Thread, there is certainly much more excitement to be seen, heard, felt, and smelled!!!
| CAR | NO | ||
| First Down | 17 | 18 | |
| Total Yards | 235 | 360 | |
| Passing Yards | 101 | 249 | |
| Rushing Yards | 134 | 111 | |
| Penalties (Yds) | 1(5) | 2(20) | |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 | |
| Punts (AVG) | 0(0) | 0(0) | |
| Time of Pos. | 14:49 | 15:11 |
| NEW ORLEANS SAINTS | ||||
| Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
| D. Brees | 16/23 | 249 | 2 | 1 |
| Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
| C. Ivory | 7 | 64 | 1 | 35T |
| P. Thomas | 4 | 28 | 0 | 15 |
| D. Sproles | 2 | 14 | 0 | 11 |
| D. Brees | 1 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| M. Colston | 6 | 129 | 2 | 42T |
| P. Thomas | 3 | 36 | 0 | 22 |
| J. Graham | 2 | 25 | 0 | 15 |
| D. Sproles | 2 | 11 | 0 | 16 |
| A. Arrington | 1 | 17 | 0 | 17 |
| D. Henderson | 1 | 17 | 0 | 17 |
| R. Meachem | 1 | 14 | 0 | 14 |
| CAROLINA PANTHERS | ||||
| Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
| C. Newton | 9/14 | 106 | 1 | 1 |
| Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
| J. Stewart | 6 | 68 | 1 | 29T |
| D. Williams | 5 | 49 | 0 | 20 |
| C. Newton | 3 | 16 | 0 | 16 |
| S. Smith | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| S. Smith | 4 | 63 | 1 | 20 |
| J. Shockey | 3 | 18 | 0 | 6 |
| B. LaFell | 1 | 14 | 0 | 14 |
| J. Stewart | 1 | 11 | 0 | 11 |