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With a three point lead and under a minute remaining, the Saints defense needed to make just one final stop of Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers, something they had done quite successfully for the 59 minutes prior. But for some reason, they completely collapsed instead and gave up the game-winning touchdown. It was a replay of their loss to the Patriots earlier this season.
The Turning Point
Obviously it was the Panthers final game-winning touchdown drive, capped off by a 14-yard touchdown pass from Cam Newton to Domenik Hixon.
The Good
There's really not much positive to discuss but it was nice to see the Saints find success in the running game.
The Bad
The offensive line for the Saints is sketchy at best and it's a huge freakin' problem. Not only because Brees can't be taking 6 freakin' sacks a game like he did today but because this offense lives and dies by the play of their front five. The running game, the passing game, it all starts with the offensive line. And as this offense goes, so goes the fate of the Saints. Will the Saints beat the Bucs next week? Depends how the offensive line plays. Will the Saints do well in the playoffs? Depends how the offensive line plays. Will the Saints win the Super Bowl? Depends how the offensive line plays.
Also, when was the last time special teams had a punt/kick return of any substance whatsoever?
Saints Offensive MVP
Mark Ingram had one of his best performances of the season, rushing 13 times for 83 yards. He should have been given more touches.
Saints Defensive MVP
Nobody really stood out much for the Saints in this game, evidenced by the fact that no one had more than 5 tackles. Their success was truly a team effort.
Saints Who Starred
Marques Colston - was the only one making plays in the first half.
Jimmy Graham - he was quiet for most of the game but came up big on the Saints scoring drive in the 4th quarter with a 46-yard huge catch-and-run followed by the TD catch.
Shayne Graham - made all of his kicks in his debut with the Saints.
Saints Who Struggled
Terron Armstead - Played terrible in the first half but slightly redeemed himself in the second.
Drew Brees - threw two costly interceptions.
Darren Sproles - was non-existent.
Crazy Stat of the Game
The Saints defense blanked Carolina's offense on third down, who went 0-9. And somehow the Saints still lost.
Tweet of the Game
Cam Newton just ruined the holiday season for everyone in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.
— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherMackel) December 22, 2013
Gif of the Game
Injury Update
Kenny Vaccaro injured his lower left leg and needed to be carted off the field in an air cast. It didn't look good. FOX reported he may have a broken ankle.
What's Next
The Saints play their final game of the 2013 season next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Superdome. They either need a win or an Arizona Cardinals loss to clinch a playoff spot.
Final Stats
| NO | CAR | ||
| First Downs | 20 | 10 | |
| Total Yards | 365 | 222 | |
| Passing Yards | 239 | 141 | |
| Rushing Yards | 126 | 81 | |
| Penalties (Yds) | 4(40) | 3(26) | |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 | |
| Punts (AVG) | 7(43) | 8(47) | |
| Time of Pos. | 38:48 | 21:12 |
| NEW ORLEANS SAINTS | ||||
| Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
| D. Brees | 30/44 | 281 | 1 | 2 |
| Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
| M. Ingram | 13 | 83 | 0 | 34 |
| K. Robinson | 6 | 18 | 0 | 7 |
| Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| J. Graham | 5 | 73 | 1 | 46 |
| M. Colston | 5 | 63 | 0 | 35 |
| P. Thomas | 5 | 7 | 0 | 13 |
| CAROLINA PANTHERS | ||||
| Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
| C. Newton | 13/22 | 181 | 1 | 1 |
| Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
| D. Williams | 12 | 67 | 1 | 43T |
| T. Ginn | 1 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| G. Olsen | 4 | 35 | 0 | 14 |
| T. Ginn | 2 | 66 | 0 | 37 |
| D. Hixon | 2 | 18 | 1 | 14T |
