NFL Power Rankings: Panthers, Patriots and Bengals at the top entering Week 14

15. <p>The New Orleans Saints almost became the first team to knock off the Carolina Panthers at the Superdome on Sunday. The Saints were able to keep up with the Panthers in a virtual shoot out that went down to the final moments of the game and forced Carolina to dig deep to get the win.</p> <p>Unfortunately that left the Saints on the wrong side once again with the loss, dropping them to 4-8 on the season. To make matters worse, the Saints defense was lit up once again, this time by Cam Newton who threw five touchdowns against the Saints, including the game-winner.</p> <p>If there is one thing the Saints can hang their hat on it is a bit of history. They blocked an extra point and returned it for a defensive two-point conversion, which gave them a 16-14 lead at the end of the second quarter.</p> <p>Still, until something changes on this defense the Saints won’t be able to contend as the clock runs out on Drew Brees’ career. Take the Denver Broncos as the perfect template, defense carried Peyton Manning early in the season and is carrying the team now. The Saints need to invest in defense to make the most out of however many years Brees has left.</p>. (4-8). Previous: . new orleans saints. 24. team