NEW ORLEANS – Defensive tackle Dwan Edwards said it would take the Carolina Panthers not playing their best for them to fall from the unbeaten ranks.
They played far from their best on Sunday at the Louisiana Superdome and somehow still managed to escape with a 41-38 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
A big reason was New Orleans’ 31st-ranked defense, which gave up five touchdown passes to quarterback Cam Newton, including a 15-yarder to Jerricho Cotchery with 1:05 remaining.
But make no mistake about it, this one was big-time sloppy.
In the first half, the Panthers had three turnovers, including a fumble returned for a touchdown, and a blocked extra point returned for two points.
The mistakes continued in the second half. Ted Ginn Jr. dropped two wide-open passes for touchdowns. Newton missed wide-open Corey Brown for what likely would have been a long touchdown.
Defensive end Kony Ealy was called for being offside on consecutive plays during one series. Cornerback Bene' Benwikere had a pass-interference penalty and was in on the initial coverage of a 54-yard touchdown catch by Brandin Cooks.
There were missed tackles and missed assignments.
You get the point.
There were a lot of big plays as well, particularly by Newton. His five touchdown passes equaled a career-high. He could have had a few more if it weren’t for Ginn.
What it means: The Panthers (12-0) maintained a two-game lead over Arizona for the best record in the NFC as they attempt to nail down home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
One reason to get excited: That the Panthers don’t have to play the Saints again. This team has given them fits in two close games.
One reason to panic: Not a panic situation, but Newton took a couple of big hits that staggered him momentarily. One came on a sack in the first half, when he went down awkwardly after being hit in the legs. The other came when he nonchalantly ran toward the corner of the end zone on a bootleg and was hit hard by linebacker Michael Mauti. Newton went in to get checked for a possible concussion after the hit.
Fantasy watch: Newton continued to put up big numbers despite a bad decision on a pass that was intercepted in the first half. He had five touchdown passes and more than 300 yards passing for the second time this season against New Orleans.
Ginn and picks: Newton’s first-half interception was his sixth of the season while targeting Ginn. He has four interceptions targeting all other Carolina players.
What were they thinking: The Panthers didn’t activate running back Cameron Artis-Payne for the fifth straight week, even though coach Ron Rivera said there is a plan to get starter Jonathan Stewart fewer carries so he will be rested for the playoffs. Stewart surpassed his single-season high of 221 carries (2009) in the first half with 11 carries. With the division title wrapped up, look for the Panthers to start cutting his carries to keep him fresh for the playoffs.