The Panthers came into this game saying they still remembered the disrespect the Saint showed them in last season's finale in New Orleans and would let the Saints know it. I would say the Saints got the message as the Panthers punched them in the mouth while also making a statement. First and foremost the Panthers running game got untracked to the tune of 200+ yards on the ground. Steve Smith was his normal self getting another 100+ plus yards receiving. This game really wasn't as close as the score suggests.
The defense likewise got things started with a pick 6 by S Charles Godfrey in the 1st quarter. Beason and Thomas Davis were laying some wood. DE Greg Hardy has been a beast and Thomas Keiser continues his good work on 3rd down. The defense had contributions up and down the line up.
The Panthers led 21-13 at the half and didn't let up after the break. We have a lot of star performances in this one so your selection for player of the game will be a tough one. Let's start with the stars on offense:
QB Cam Newton - 14 for 20 for 253 yards 1 TD; 70 yards rushing on 11 carries and a TD
WR Steve Smith - 3 receptions for 104 yards
RB DeAngelo Williams - 14 for 69 yards TD
RB Jonathan Stewart - 11 for 51; 1 rec for 17 yds receiving and a TD
WR Brandon LaFell - 6 receptions for 90 yards; LaFell had some key 3rd down catches
S Charles Godfrey - 11 combined tackles, a Pick 6 and a pass defensed
Jon Beason - Seals the deal with an INT while already logging 7 tackles and a pass defensed
Poll
The Panthers player of the game vs the Saints was
Cam Newton (657 votes)
DeAngelo Williams (16 votes)
Steve Smith (50 votes)
Brandon LaFell (530 votes)
Jonathan Stewart (33 votes)
Charles Godfrey (262 votes)
Jon Beason (83 votes)
1631 total votes


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