Marcus Murphy returns punt for touchdown

The New Orleans Saints were left for dead after an 0-2 start, coupled with the shoulder injury to All-Pro quarterback Drew Brees. Apparently, the Carolina Panthers are doing all they can to keep New Orleans alive in the NFC South.

On Sunday, the Panthers and Saints were tied 10-10 early in the third quarter before Carolina punted and returner Marcus Murphy muffed the kick, recovering at his own 6-yard line. However, the Panthers were guilty of a personal foul and had to punt again. This led to a Murphy spectacular, returning the kick 73 yards for a touchdown and a 16-10 lead.

Next: Ranking The 32 NFL Defenses For 2015

New Orleans needs a spark at this point from any source. The Saints have been absolutely horrific to this point in the campaign, losing to the Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There has been plenty of ugliness, including injuries, turnovers and missed assignments. New Orleans might get Brees back in Week 4 from a bruised rotator cuff, although that remains questionable.

With Brees out of the lineup, head coach Sean Payton had no choice but to start backup Luke McCown. The veteran has come in and played surprisingly well against the Panthers, completing 16-of-17 passes for 124 yards and no interceptions. If McCown can simply keep control of the ball and move the chains, the Saints should be thrilled.