The New Orleans Saints defeated the Carolina Panthers 20-17 on Sunday evening in the Caesars Superdome. The win gets the Saints to 4-10 and completes a sweep over the Panthers this season.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Saints began with the ball, but were unable to create any offense, punting after a three-and-out. Carolina answered with an impressive opening drive, marching 13 plays and 74 yards with Rico Dowdle scoring from four yards out to make it 7-0.
Following a stretch of slow offense for both teams, the Saints got even late in the first half. A long 17 play, 95 yard drive finished with a Devin Neal touchdown run to even the score at 7-7.
Towards the end of the half, the Panthers added three with a Ryan Fitzgerald field goal. That made it 10-7 in favor of Carolina at the half.
The Panthers extended their lead with a touchdown drive to open the second half. Bryce Young connected with Jalen Coker on the long strike to make it 17-7 Panthers.
New Orleans cut the lead back down to one score after a nice drive led by Tyler Shough stalled out due to a couple of sacks. Charlie Smyth connected on the field goal to make it 17-10.
Trailing late, Shough and the offense used quick strikes to get into scoring position. Then, he found Chris Olave for a touchdown to tie the game at 17 with just more than two minutes remaining.
After a late stop, the Saints got the ball back with near one minute to go. Shough got them into field goal range, aided by a personal foul on Carolina. Smyth delivered the 47-yard field goal to win it for the Saints.
BIG NUMBER: 47
Smyth delivered the biggest kick of his young career from 47 yards out to deliver the Saints to their fourth win of the season.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Tyler Shough
The rookie was outstanding once again, delivering on game-tying and winning drives in the fourth quarter. He finished 24/32 for 272 yards in the win.
UP NEXT: The Saints will remain home as they play host to the New York Jets on Sunday, December 21st at noon.