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The New Orleans Saints played well on both sides of the ball for most of the first half, but their 6-0 lead was wiped out after a Drew Brees interception followed immediately by a DeAngelo Williams touchdown run late in the second quarter.
The Saints had a 157-97 advantage in total yardage and a 19:35/10:25 edge in time of possession, yet trail 7-6 at half.
Drew Brees has taken a beating in the first 30 minutes of play, getting sacked 5 times already thanks to terrible protection from the offensive line. The run game has been surprisingly effective, thanks to an impressive 34-yard Mark Ingram run.
Except for the touchdown run the Saints defense has played very well, forcing three 3-and-outs.
New kicker Shayne Graham is perfect on the day.
Kenny Vaccaro may have a broken left ankle. He is out for the game and may be done for the 2013 season. Roman Harper will need to step up and play well.
Panthers receiver Steve Smith is out for the rest of the game with a knee injury.
First Half Stats
| NO | CAR | ||
| First Downs | 8 | 5 | |
| Total Yards | 157 | 97 | |
| Passing Yards | 87 | 33 | |
| Rushing Yards | 70 | 64 | |
| Penalties (Yds) | 3(25) | 2(21) | |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 | |
| Punts (AVG) | 4(42) | 4(49) | |
| Time of Pos. | 19:35 | 10:25 |
| NEW ORLEANS SAINTS | ||||
| Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
| D. Brees | 17/24 | 124 | 0 | 1 |
| Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
| M. Ingram | 4 | 50 | 0 | 34 |
| D. Brees | 1 | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| M. Colston | 5 | 63 | 0 | 35 |
| D. Sproles | 3 | 18 | 0 | 8 |
| B. Watson | 2 | 26 | 0 | 22 |
| CAROLINA PANTHERS | ||||
| Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
| C. Newton | 5/9 | 61 | 0 | 1 |
| Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
| D. Williams | 7 | 56 | 1 | 43T |
| T. Ginn | 1 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| S. Smith | 1 | 44 | 0 | 44 |
| G. Olsen | 1 | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| D. Hixon | 1 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
