The Panthers briefly held a lead over the Saints but gave up a touchdown with one second to go in the second quarter. They trail 21-17 at halftime.
Here’s a review of how things have gone so far.
Offense:
Teddy Bridgewater is getting a bit of a revenge game against his former team. He’s hooked up with Curtis Samuel and D.J. Moore for big gains, including a 74-yard touchdown for the latter. Bridgewater is 11/13 for 170 yards, two touchdowns and a perfect 158.3 passer rating. By comparison, the run game has been a dud. Mike Davis has managed just five yards on five carries. The Panthers’ passing attack has been strong enough to make this irrelevant, though.
Defense:
As usual, things are less rosy on this side of the ball. The Saints have moved the chains effortlessly, rolling over a mistake-fest of an effort by Carolina. Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray have already combined for 105 rushing yards and New Orleans is averaging 6.6 yards per carry. Brian Burns came through with a huge hit and forced fumble late in the half though – that helped put the Panthers in position for Moore’s second touchdown. They’ll need to come up with an answer for wide receiver Marquez Callaway, who leads the Saints with 56 yards on five catches.
Special teams:
Joey Slye continues to come through when the offense stalls out in the red zone. He’s made a 43-yard field goal and is 2/2 on extra points.
The Panthers will receive the kick to begin the second half.
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