It was ugly, but the Saints won 16-14, thanks to defensive stops when it mattered, and John Carney going 3 for 3 on field goals, including one that put the team ahead for good with 4 minutes left. The Saints move to 3-1 and the Panthers drop to 0-4. On to the postgame bullets:
— Thank God the Saints won, because Atlanta stole a game they completely deserved to lose for the second straight week. They snatched a win from the jaws of defeat against the 49ers, by the same score of 16-14. The 49ers had an interception inside two minutes which would have sealed the win, but a fumble on the return gave Atlanta new life. Both teams are now atop the NFC South at 3-1, with Atlanta currently owning the tiebreaker. It’s bad luck for the Saints that Atlanta pulled off another miracle, but at least the Saints managed to stay within striking distance thanks to their own win.
— The John Carney gamble paid off, as the 46 year old veteran finished 3 for 3. No field goal was longer than 32 yards, so one would hope he could make them, but that distance has been no guarantee in recent weeks for Garrett Hartley.
— Before I praise Chris Ivory and Ladell Betts for transforming the Saints’ previously inexistent running game into respectability for a week, the props have to go to Sean Payton for running the ball early and staying committed to it. The offense looked much more balanced this week. That said, please never run an end around with Jimmy Graham again. Glad it worked, but that play is awful.
— The two touchdowns the Panthers scored were from 55 yards and 39 yards out on complete defensive breakdowns, with Malcolm Jenkins blowing the play on both occasions. Beyond that, the defense was impeccable.
— Huge game from Sedrick Ellis.
— Courtney Roby recovered a fumble, just give him the special teamer pro bowl spot already.
— The Saints turned the ball over a couple of times, and once again failed to get a takeaway. That needs to change, especially when you’re facing inexperienced quarterbacks like Jimmy Clausen. Lance Moore and Chris Ivory’s respective fumbles were momentum killers.
— Roman Harper was out for this game, and Pierson Prioleau and Chris Reis both got knocked out of the game. The Saints are down to their 4th string strong safety in Usama Young. No matter, Young played great.
— If these injuries keep happening I think Sean Payton is going to have a hard time justifying keeping 2 kickers on the roster.
That’s all I got. Check back soon for the player grades!
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