Saints Report: Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints

Courtesy: AP News

The New Orleans Saints are back in the win column following Sunday’s divisional win against the Carolina Panthers, 28-6.  A must-win game that now has the black and gold atop the NFC South.

Derek Carr was named the Saints starter despite reports the quarterback suffered fractured rib cartilage in week 13. Injured or not, games become a lot easier when you can run the ball the way the Saints did in the first quarter. Alvin Kamara broke open the scoring with a nine yard touchdown run right up the middle to give the saints a 7-0 lead.

Late in the second quarter and the special teams unit put their stamp on this game. The Saints not only got a blocked punt, but the scoop and score to extend their lead to 14-3. After the game Tyrann Mathieu spoke on just how big of a play it was for his team.

“I mean I feel like every time you play in the Superdome somebody should block a punt, right,” he said. “So you just get that feeling. It was cool for them to make that play.”

A big reason the Saints are walking away from week 14 with a win has to do with tight end Jimmy Graham. He caught another touchdown against the Panthers, making it two consecutive weeks the tight end has found the endzone.

“You know there is nothing like scoring in this city and for this team and in this jersey,” said Graham. “It was magical and hopefully we get a lot more and you know I am blessed to be able to play this game at 37.”

Derek Carr also found his rhythm  on offense. Rather than talk about his performance he spoke highly of the veteran tight end.

“You know, it’s Jimmy Graham, I watched Drew [Brees] do it enough,” said Carr. “Just give him a chance and he went up and made a heck of a play. So, you watch that play and he looks like he is 28. Really impressed but I think the greatest thing is his leadership.

Leadership that propelled the Saints to a big time win over the Panthers, 28-6. The Saints will look to go for back-to-back wins next weekend when they welcome the New York Giants to the Superdome.