Saints at Panthers: Highlights, score and recap

The Carolina Panthers defeated the New Orleans Saints, 23-20 on Thursday Night Football in Week 11. Carolina improves to 4-6, while New Orleans stumbles to 4-6 on the year.

The Carolina Panthers keep their 2016 NFC Playoffs hopes alive for another week by surviving at home against the rival New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football. Carolina improves to 4-6 on the year by beating the Saints, 23-20. New Orleans falls to 4-6 on the year in defeat.

Carolina was the aggressor early in this game, but let the Saints back in this one with key defensive lapses and poor offensive execution. The big play that ultimately decided the game was another Wil Lutz blocked kick.

Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly would proceed to take the blocked field goal attempt to the house, but would have it called back on a James Bradberry block in the back. Carolina would score on that ensuing possession on a terrific 40-yard touchdown pass from Cam Newton to Ted Ginn, Jr.

Carolina would win the game, but not all is well in the Panthers locker room. Late in the fourth quarter, Kuechly would take a shot to the head, as well as land awkwardly on his ankle, during a tackle attempt on Saints running back Tim Hightower. Kuechly missed three games last season with a concussion. He had to exit the game on a golf cart.

The Panthers survive another week, but have to be concerned about the health of their best player in Kuechly. As for the Saints, this team has lost two close games in as many weeks. The Saints are five points away from being 6-4 and tied for first place in the NFC South with the arch rival Atlanta Falcons. New Orleans ran out of time in this one.

Three Stars

1. Luke Kuechly: Kuechly gave it his all in this game before having to exit with a concussion, among other things. He had a game-high 14 tackles, eight solo, one for a loss of yardage, and a pass defended.
2. Kurt Coleman: Coleman had a great night on the Panthers defense. He had nine tackles, seven solo, and a 12-yard interception return on Brees.
3. Drew Brees: Brees kept New Orleans in this game down to the final seconds. He completed 35 of 44 passes for 285 yards, two touchdowns, an interception, and a fumble.

Highlights

Next Game

The Saints will host the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12. Kickoff from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome will be at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 27. FOX will have the telecast.

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The Panthers will be on the road in Week 12. Carolina will play the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 27. Kickoff from O.co Coliseum will be at 4:25 p.m. ET. CBS will have the telecast.