Panthers coach Matt Rhule’s future may be in question after their sixth straight loss. Carolina was defeated by the New Orleans Saints 18-10 on Sunday.
Quarterback Sam Darnold got the start and managed to lead the Panthers down the field into the red zone, but the offense stalled and was forced to take a 32-yard field goal attempt by Liram Hajrullahu, taking a 3-0 lead with 8:05 left in the first quarter.
The Panthers defense did a poor job containing Alvin Kamara on the Saints opening series, but their defense did not break. They forced the Saints to try a game tying field goal and the kick was good, knotting the game at three. On the Panthers next possession, they were facing a second-and-8 at the 50 yard line, when the first quarter ended with a 3-3 tie.
Carolina led through the first half, taking a 10-3 advantage on running back Chuba Hubbard’s slashing 21-yard run in the early going of the second quarter.
New Orleans looked to be in prime position to tie the game at 10 when P.J. Williams stripped the ball from Darnold and it was recovered by defensive end Marcus Davenport at the Carolina 13. That gave the Saints great position in the red zone. The defense showed great resolve causing the Saints to settle for a field goal and making the score 10-6.
With just over a minute remaining in the half, the Saints were up against it facing a third-and 11 from their own three. Quarterback Taysom Hill threw a 28-yard pass that was caught by wide out Marquez Callaway along the left sideline. Hill then connected with Lil’Jordan Humphrey for an 18 yard reception and Callaway for another 15 yards. Hill completed one final quick pass to set up place kicker Brett Maher’s third field goal, ending the half with the Panthers leading 10-9.
The majority of the third quarter took place on the Panthers side of the 50 yard line for the Saints, however, they had one promising drive stop on an intentional grounding penalty that forced them out of field goal range.
Late in the quarter, the Saints had a first down on the Panthers 18 yard line, but again their offense could not break through and had to take the three points and a slim 12-10 lead. When the quarter expired, it marked 11 straight quarters without a touchdown for the Saints.
At the start of the final quarter, the Panthers continued a drive that started late in the third, but they missed a 47-yard field goal. New Orleans took advantage of a fatigued Panthers defense and drove methodically down the field to score a touchdown and extend their lead by eight points, 18-10. They missed the point after.
The Panthers were not able to make a comeback after Darnold threw an embarrassing interception with less than a minute left in the game. The Saints ran out the clock. The Panthers fell to 5-11 on the season.
This is the second year in a row under Rhule’s leadership that the Panthers have a 5-11 record. His future hangs in the balance.
Hill completed 17 of 28 passes for 222 yards and also led the Saints in rushing with 45 yards. Callaway had six receptions for 97 yards. Kamara had five catches for 68 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown.
Darnold completed 17 of 26 passes for 132 yards. Hubbard had 17 rushes for 55 yards and one touchdown. Abdullah had four receptions for 31 yards.
The Saints travel to Atlanta to face Matt Ryan and the Falcons next week. The Panthers finish the season visiting the 2021 NFC South champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
