Cat Scratch Reader - Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints: Week 17 full coverageKeep Pounding!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48401/catscratchreader_fave.png2021-01-05T08:00:00-05:00http://www.catscratchreader.com/rss/stream/219700942021-01-05T08:00:00-05:002021-01-05T08:00:00-05:003 plays to love, 3 plays to hate from the Panthers’ 33-7 loss to the Saints
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/u7CAVkIeZZCf6U_FtTYuN6pYbBs=/4x0:4924x3280/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68621336/usa_today_15393069.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>These key plays swung momentum and decided the Carolina Panthers 33-6 home loss against the New Orleans Saints, putting Carolina’s year-end record at 5-11. </p> <p id="jS5rmL">Plays to Love, Plays to Hate highlights the plays that have a significant impact in swinging momentum and impacting the eventual outcome of the game. There’s usually plenty to hate about NFL officiating, so we will only focus on the plays on the field, not the refs. Let’s review the momentum-shifting plays that led to the Panthers ending their season on a low note against a division rival. </p>
<h3 id="BLtyDo">Three plays to love</h3>
<p id="drmW31"><strong>Obada drops Brees in the first: </strong>The game started with a Panthers three-and-out, then a Saints touchdown, then another Panthers three-and-out. Already trailing 7-0 with no help from the offense, Carolina’s defense needed an early win. On third-and-5 the secondary covered well which bought time for <a href="https://www.panthers.com/video/highlight-efe-obada-chases-down-drew-brees-for-strip-sack">Efe Obada to sack Drew Brees</a> and force a New Orleans three-and-out. If the Saints had scored on this drive to go up 10-0 or 14-0, it could’ve been “game over” very early. </p>
<p id="YDBDZx"><strong>Samuel’s deep comeback catch in the first: </strong>On the Panthers drive following Obada’s sack, Curtis Samuel prevented a third straight three-and-out by drawing a pass interference call. Then three plays later Samuel ran a deep route down the right sideline and Teddy Bridgewater underthrew the pass. It looked like Malcolm Jenkins was in position to undercut the route and intercept the ball, but Curtis made an aggressive move to come back to the ball and <a href="https://www.panthers.com/video/highlight-curtis-samuel-with-big-toe-drag-swag">haul in a 25-yard reception</a> before Jenkins could get his hands on it. Samuel went out of bounds at the New Orleans eight yard line to set up a touchdown and a 7-7 tie. </p>
<p id="P595an"><strong>DJ’s aggressive bomb in the third: </strong>While this play didn’t lead to a score (thanks to a Teddy Bridgewater interception), I wanted to highlight it anyway because it made me jump out of my chair. Carolina trailed 19-7 early in the third quarter and the offense looked like dog meat. Facing second-and-10 from their own 37, Teddy Bridgewater threw a bomb over the middle to DJ Moore who was double covered. DJ elevated, high-pointed the ball, and just simply <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XchmYZUdMc">outmuscled both defenders to haul in a 44-yard gain</a> to the New Orleans 19. It was a man’s catch. There’s a reason DJ Moore is often compared to Panthers legend Steve Smith. </p>
<h3 id="ehFd7h">Three plays to hate</h3>
<p id="OGu180"><strong>Too much Taysom on fourth down in the first: </strong>After the Panthers went three-and-out to start the game, the Saints moved the ball down to the Carolina 21 on their first drive. Facing fourth-and-1 Sean Payton elected to forgo a field goal attempt and went for a first down. Taysom Hill took a direct snap and muscled his way up the middle for three yards and a first down. On the very next play the Saints scored a touchdown to take an early 7-0 lead. If the Panthers defense could’ve come up with a stop on fourth down, it wouldn’t have just prevented a touchdown, it would’ve signaled to the Saints that the Panthers defense had come to play. </p>
<p id="kmM8LH"><strong>Samuel stonewalled in the second: </strong>The Panthers trailed just 13-7 with 2:52 left in the second quarter. Facing fourth-and-1 from the New Orleans 21 Matt Rhule decided to be aggressive and go for the first down instead of attempting a field goal. Curtis Samuel took a deep handoff as the Panthers offensive line got driven backward off the snap. John Miller couldn’t stop Malcom Brown who dropped Samuel for a one-yard loss and a turnover on downs. </p>
<p id="nsN6NJ"><strong>Teddy’s two end zone interceptions: </strong>I’ve seen enough Teddy Bridgewater end zone interceptions to last a lifetime, and he gave us two more against the Saints. The first came in the second quarter from the New Orleans 18 with the score tied at 7-7. The second pick came in the third quarter from the New Orleans 19 on the very next play after DJ Moore’s herculean 44-yard gain. Carolina trailed 19-7 at the time of the second interception, and a touchdown on that drive for a 19-14 score could’ve led to a much more competitive ending to this one. </p>
<h3 id="Y6nRcp">Closing it out and summing it up</h3>
<p id="vo3w7m">And thus ends the first season of Matt Rhule’s tenure as head coach in Carolina. I like the mentality and toughness he seems to have brought to the team and see a bright future for this franchise. The 2020 <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> competed better than their 5-11 record indicates. I’ve been tough at times this year on Rhule, Joe Brady, and Phil Snow and their inability to make second half adjustments, but this young brain trust should only get better with time. </p>
<p id="jflufj">Curtis Samuel has made himself some serious money over the last two months. He registered at least 70 scrimmage yards in five of the Panthers final eight games, including three games with at least 105 receiving yards. He was clutch on third downs all season, too. If Carolina doesn’t pay him this offseason, someone else will. I hope the Panthers can work the salary cap gymnastics to retain Samuel as the combination of him, DJ Moore, Robby Anderson, and a healthy Christian McCaffrey gives the Panthers perhaps the league’s most explosive receiving corps. </p>
<p id="1IE2JI">And how about Tommy Stevens coming out of nowhere to do his best Taysom Hill impersonation? The 6-foot-5, 235-pound rookie quarterback/tight end was signed off the practice squad in the week leading up to the game and ran the ball four times for 24 yards. <a href="https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article248247440.html">This article</a> from the Observer gives more information about his journey after being drafted by the Saints (reportedly to spite the Panthers), getting cut in November, then landing in Carolina. In an otherwise terrible game by the Panthers, Stevens at least brought something new and interesting. </p>
<p id="Tpxite">The Panthers are right where we hoped they would be at this point - young, competitive, and showing promise. The rebuilding work will continue as we now look forward to the draft and free agency. </p>
<div id="avUPZJ"><div data-anthem-component="poll:10266839"></div></div>
<p id="koBSf1"></p>
<p id="QcRepQ"></p>
<p id="N30GBt"></p>
https://www.catscratchreader.com/2021/1/5/22214112/nfl-week-17-panthers-7-saints-33-3-plays-to-love-3-plays-to-hateD.A. Sweat2021-01-04T10:00:00-05:002021-01-04T10:00:00-05:003 winners and 2 losers from the Panthers’ 33-7 loss to the Saints
<figure>
<img alt="New Orleans Saints v Carolina Panthers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7oLi2a2tn4u9kBMcbPM6YeioWes=/0x0:2954x1969/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68616106/1294339753.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Panthers closed the 2020 season with a 33-7 loss to the Saints and a 5-11 record.</p> <p id="xj2diP">The Panthers finished the 2020 season with a 5-11 record thanks to a 33-7 loss to the Saints in the season finale yesterday. As always, there were a few players who stood out — both good and bad — despite the final score, so let’s take a look at the winners and losers from this game. Because this game was so awful to watch and the season is mercifully over, I’ll try to be as brief as I can.</p>
<h2 id="lSTM4v">Winners</h2>
<h4 id="j6lpJ0">Curtis Samuel</h4>
<p id="agDseY">Samuel eclipsed 1,000 yards from scrimmage yesterday after putting up another 100-yard game with 121 total yards (118 receiving; 3 rushing). He didn’t find the end zone, but neither did anyone else (with the exception of Rodney Smith, who we’ll get to later). I’m happy for Samuel and glad to see his talent finally showing up on the stat sheet, but I’m also sad because it probably means he’s going to leave in free agency. Samuel’s going to get paid this offseason, and unfortunately I don’t think Carolina will be the buyer. Thanks, Marty.</p>
<h4 id="BA7UZO">DJ Moore</h4>
<p id="hPfOYC">Moore also put up another 100-yard game, which is amazing considering how awful the quarterback play was yesterday (definitely more on this later). Moore almost found the end zone but couldn’t come down with the catch, and even though he only caught 5-of-11 targets, the ones he did catch were amazing. </p>
<h4 id="X5I2Oh">Tre Boston</h4>
<p id="LDKGJP">Boston tied for the team lead in tackles (10 total, 4 solo) and also picked up a sack, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit. I know he gets a lot of hate from Panthers fans, but he played well yesterday and was one of the few bright spots in the secondary this season. The Panthers <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/2020/3/17/21184423/carolina-panthers-sign-tre-boston-to-three-year-18-million-contract">signed Boston to a 3-year, $18 million contract in March</a> so he’ll probably stick around at least one more year, which I’m sure will be seen as a great deal by everyone.</p>
<h2 id="L3gAIH">Losers</h2>
<h4 id="cVe9wz">Teddy Bridgewater</h4>
<p id="oJtcgA">The Panthers don’t have much of a choice anymore: They have to pick a quarterback with the No. 8 pick in the draft. I don’t know how they can manage to do it, but they also have to trade Bridgewater and get out of his $23 million cap hit in 2021. They can save $13 million if they can find a team to take on the final two years of his deal (the Panthers would incur a $10 million dead cap hit if they trade him). </p>
<p id="jJEBoa">Bridgewater’s remaining two years are more like a 1-year deal because the final year would only incur a $5 million dead cap hit if he’s released, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find a team willing to see if they can get something out of him. Even if the Panthers settle for a Day 3 draft pick, they need to move on and rebuild with their guy, even if they have to make a trade to move up in the first round to get him. Teams don’t get many opportunities to find franchise quarterbacks, and the Panthers have a chance to do that this year with a solid class of prospects. Hopefully they take advantage and strike while the iron is hot.</p>
<p id="aOJfck">In case you missed the game, Bridgewater was 13-of-23 for 176 yards, 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions (both were in the end zone). He was sacked once for a loss of 10 yards. Oh, and he also picked up seven yards on three carries. Not that it matters, but it happened so I figured I’d mention it. He was replaced by PJ Walker in the second half, <a href="https://twitter.com/josephperson/status/1345890116485705729">presumably because he picked up an ankle injury in the first quarter</a>.</p>
<p id="i8XHl2">I think it was also a case of ‘donthaveit-itis’, but that’s just me.</p>
<h4 id="8TAY9K">PJ Walker</h4>
<p id="6Nm5Fy">I hate to put Walker here but he was also putrid yesterday. He went 5-of-14 for 95 yards with 0 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. I know it’s hard to come into a game cold like he did and expect to play at a high level, but the three interceptions were the icing on the cake. I’ll give him one thing, though: at least he didn’t throw his interceptions in the end zone. That’s about the only good thing I can say about it. </p>
<h2 id="Lgifqn">Honorable mentions</h2>
<p id="3DtFlF">I was happy for Efe Obada, who picked up another sack to give him 5.5 on the year. I hope the Panthers re-sign him, and I think they could without breaking the bank. He’s a restricted free agent this year, so they can match any offer another team makes him if they really want to keep him around. </p>
<p id="3rnBm0">Shaq Thompson tied for the team lead in tackles (with Tre Boston) with 10 (3 solo), which is a pretty good day for him. It’s really hard to compare anyone to Luke Kuechly so I think Thompson gets an unfair shake sometimes, but I do think he’s a solid linebacker who is also a team leader. You need those guys on your team, and I’m glad we have him around for a few more years.</p>
<p id="lOj5Hu">Kudos to Rodney Smith for picking up his first career touchdown, and kudos to Tommy Stevens for getting some game time in his first NFL appearance. I liked seeing the Taysom Hill package with Stevens and kinda hope the Panthers carry that over to next year, because it would be fun to watch. </p>
<p id="6DF1Vj">Who stood out to you yesterday, Panthers fans? Share your thoughts with us!</p>
https://www.catscratchreader.com/2021/1/4/22212851/nfl-week-17-panthers-7-saints-33-three-winners-two-losers-curtis-samuel-dj-moore-teddy-bridgewaterBradley Smith2021-01-04T08:00:00-05:002021-01-04T08:00:00-05:00Monday Morning Optimist: Rhule changed the whole script of 2020
<figure>
<img alt="New Orleans Saints v Carolina Panthers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/51iC86MuGAosDHmz53VS-13S8DY=/0x0:2895x1930/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68615559/1294352488.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Panthers went from new to frustrating ahead of schedule. What else can they put ahead of schedule in their rebuild?</p> <p id="zFa9H9">The 2020 season for the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> only ever promised to be new: a new head coach, a new quarterback, and a new species of mascot, all amidst a world of constant change due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But ‘new’ didn’t turn out to be the story of the season. Matt Rhule’s newness to the team hasn’t worn off as he (hopefully) approaches his first in-person offseason with the team. Teddy Bridgewater’s newness turned stale about Week 14 and has the fanbase primed for another quarterback change in the coming months. Sir Purr turned out to still be a Panther. 2020 became a season of ‘close’ instead and, while frustrating, that is a far more optimistic place to end the season than where the franchise was last year.</p>
<p id="vsyfoa">To be frustratingly close isn’t inherently optimistic. The Panthers from 2016 to 2018 were often that, but mixed with mounting injuries to their stars and repeated mistakes by their leadership, the emphasis was on the frustration and not their proximity to success. The 2021 Panthers still have plenty of novelty ahead. Their close-but-not-quite stylings of the last year can still be signs of things to come and not just opportunities missed. </p>
<h4 id="5lXXLA">What I liked</h4>
<p id="HkgyOc"><strong>Year One - Extremely Optimistic</strong></p>
<p id="CDIY16">I tried writing it five different ways and I can’t—or won’t—do it. 2020 and optimistic don’t go together. But from a purely football perspective, the Carolina Panthers had an optimistic season during Rhule’s first attempt at being an NFL head coach. </p>
<p id="ChoCsE">Rhule is still establishing his version of the Panthers. Joe Brady already produced a rare offense that fielded four different players (Curtis Samuel, D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, and Mike Davis) with over 1,000 yards from scrimmage. Ask what questions you will about Brady and why people are looking at him as head coach material, but then also realize you are probably complaining about how much Bridgewater held these guys back. Brady’s offense had room for four 1,000 yard players with a struggling quarterback in year one. Phil Snow will have the benefit of applying experience to youth. That experience was hard won at the end of the season with an impressive showing against multiple MVP-caliber quarterbacks following their shutout of the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>.</p>
<div id="pJh3DE">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Curtis Samuel is the 4th Panther to go over 1,000 scrimmage yards this season. <br><br>Carolina is just the 5th team in the Super Bowl era with 4 players over 1,000 yards. <a href="https://t.co/ZZntKp8ZoR">https://t.co/ZZntKp8ZoR</a></p>— Will Bryan (@Pantherstatsguy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pantherstatsguy/status/1345859640182132736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="wW7Eu7">This was achieved with a paper thin roster whose defense featured three to four rookies from their seven player draft class starting on any given Sunday, whose left tackle yesterday was their fifth option this season. This was achieved while Christian McCaffrey and Kawann Short, the biggest names these Panthers had left, sidelined for the vast majority of the season. Yeah, I’m optimistic.</p>
<h4 id="WlzHqJ">The takeaway</h4>
<p id="vWjRX5">Every aspect of the 2020 Panthers was limited in one way or another. They were young, hurt, missing an off season, or just plain disappointing.<strong> </strong>They still managed to keep eight of their 11 losses within one score. That is stunning work given the context. </p>
<p id="Pdbplw">They could have just been different this season and most fans would have been excited for year two. Instead, they flashed the progress of a team already two or three years into a rebuild without the actual materials needed for that quality of construction. </p>
<p id="19OtTF">Some fans decided to accelerate their expectations to match and came out the other side disappointed. Go figure. Mistakes and errors from this season are questions, not sentences. Even if this season weren’t the start of a new team, 2020 earned them enough credit to pass on judgment.</p>
<p id="ZKrdzf">Remember that spare parts brought them within inches of a win in each of their eight close losses. What are they going to do with the right answer at quarterback, if they can find them, and a roster that is deeper than a reality TV show? The 2020 Panthers raised their floor, not their ceiling. We still don’t know what that height looks like. The moral of any projection of years future has to be that there is room for growth.</p>
https://www.catscratchreader.com/2021/1/4/22212241/carolina-panthers-nfl-monday-morning-optimistic-matt-rhule-changed-script-of-2020-teddy-bridgewaterWalker Clement2021-01-04T06:00:00-05:002021-01-04T06:00:00-05:00B&B Postgame Podcast: Panthers vs Saints
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZcmRPY0ec4ErXmEXajsoKnhmdn0=/0x27:400x294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68615302/Keep_Sounding_4.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The Panthers season is over. </p> <p id="yL9PUG">The <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> wrapped up their 2020 season with a lot of interceptions and a loss to the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a>. Brad and Brian recap the struggles and take a brief look ahead to the offseason. More in depth conversations about the offseason coming soon. </p>
<div id="8U9OnO">
<iframe frameborder="0" src="https://playlist.megaphone.fm?p=VMP9140303486" width="100%" height="482"></iframe>
</div>
<p id="Ks9KdN"><a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/cat-scratch-readers-carolina-panthers?selected=VMP7423167210"><strong>LINK TO SHOW</strong></a></p>
https://www.catscratchreader.com/2021/1/4/22212726/b-b-postgame-podcast-carolina-panthers-vs-new-orleans-saints-nfl-week-17Jonathan DeLong2021-01-03T19:20:00-05:002021-01-03T19:20:00-05:00Panthers’ season ends in disappointment after 33-7 loss to Saints
<figure>
<img alt="Carolina Panthers v New Orleans Saints" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-0fvPtQBZIG_Vk2t3aBRt_Q-Tkg=/2x0:3026x2016/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68613508/1282381158.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Panthers finished the season 5-11 after a 33-7 loss to the Saints in Week 17.</p> <p id="Md7sdb">The Panthers came into today’s game with hopes to end their season on a high note while also playing spoiler by preventing the Saints from having any chance of securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC. That’s not what happened. In fact, the exact opposite happened.</p>
<p id="DcoY0Q">The Panthers looked like garbage, and lost the season finale 33-7 to drop their final record to 5-11, matching their final win-loss tally from last season. The Panthers simply couldn’t get anything going on offense thanks to five turnovers, including two interceptions in the end zone from Teddy Bridgewater, and the Saints did what they usually do when they play against the Panthers by putting up a bunch of points. </p>
<p id="Dwo8Vk">Both Teddy Bridgewater and PJ Walker were terrible in this game, and the Panthers simply cannot be confident that they have the answer at quarterback on the roster. Their 5-11 record will assure them at worst the No. 9 pick in the draft, so they need to seriously look at all the quarterback prospects during the offseason and find a better option than what they currently have.</p>
<p id="3WCvEG">The 2020 season is mercifully over for the Panthers, but now the real work begins as they try to improve their team during the offseason to take the giant step needed in Year 2 of the Rhule rebuild process. I still think they’ll be a team to contend with in the near future, and I believe some building blocks were created this season even if the final record wasn’t what we hoped it would be. </p>
<p id="6xw7vu">We just have to have hope that everything’s going to work out OK, because it’s really the only thing we can do.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="UwBlYo">
<h4 id="O25qNw">Fourth quarter: Panthers 7 Saints 33</h4>
<p id="vRLeHQ">The Saints scored a touchdown on the first play of the quarter to extend their lead. The extra point was good to give the Saints a 33-7 lead with 14:55 left in the game.</p>
<p id="8tthfU">The Panthers failed to pick up a first down on fourth-and-7 to extend their drive and gave the ball back to the Saints at their own 20-yard line with 10:49 left in the quarter.</p>
<p id="4SVmIc">The Panthers were threatening to score after two nice throws from Walker — one to Robby Anderson and one to DJ Moore — but then their hopes were dashed when Walker threw his second interception of the day with 4:05 left in regulation. </p>
<p id="oTu3f8">Jameis Winston came into the game for the Saints on their next drive, but he wasn’t able to move the ball and the Saints had to punt the ball back to the Panthers with 2:23 left in the game. The Panthers took over on offense with no real chance to win the game but did have a chance to make the score look a little better, but those hopes were dashed when Walker threw an interception on the first play of the drive to give the ball right back to the Saints.</p>
<p id="sW8eq4">The Saints mercifully ran out the remaining 2:13 of the game clock and ended the Panthers’ season at 5-11 and a top-ten draft pick to look forward to.</p>
<h4 id="ZI3MeX">Third quarter: Panthers 7 Saints 26</h4>
<p id="JhZcfy">The Panthers started the second half on defense and forced the Saints to settle for a field goal after standing strong on third-and-6. Will Lutz was good from 48 yards to extend the Saints’ lead to 19-7 with 11:49 left in the quarter.</p>
<p id="lWGIpz">The Panthers were driving down the field in response to the Saints’ opening drive, but their plans were foiled by another Bridgewater interception in the end zone. The Saints took over on their own 20-yard line with a 19-7 lead and 9:35 left in the quarter.</p>
<p id="SkJfkN">The Panthers defense did a good job shutting down the Saints offense and forced them to punt to keep the game at a manageable deficit. The Panthers pulled Bridgewater out of the game in favor of PJ Walker for their next drive. Walker didn’t look much better than Bridgewater and threw an interception on his second pass of the game to give the Saints the ball back with good field position.</p>
<p id="tizI0t">The Saints took advantage of the turnover and scored a touchdown when Taysom Hill called his own number from three yards out and walked into the end zone. The extra point was good and the Saints extended their lead to 26-7 with 4:56 left in the quarter.</p>
<p id="jnAXee">The Panthers went three-and-out on the following drive and had to punt the ball right back to the Saints with 4:30 left in the quarter, and the Saints offense took the field looking to extend their lead even further. The Saints offense ran out the rest of the clock on the third quarter before scoring and took a 26-7 lead into the game’s final quarter.</p>
<h4 id="Mxhrhc">Second quarter: Panthers 7 Saints 16</h4>
<p id="OEmUBT">The Panthers opened the second quarter on offense and immediately faced a fourth-and-1 situation where they elected to go for it instead of punting the ball back to the Saints. Running back Rodney Smith was able to bulldoze his way through the line to pick up the first down and keep the drive alive. </p>
<p id="LVQ6NC">The Panthers almost scored the go-ahead touchdown on a deep pass into the end zone to DJ Moore, but he couldn’t quite come down with it. A few plays after a failed challenge on that play, Bridgewater threw an interception in the end zone to give the ball back to the Saints and keep the game tied at 7-7 with 10:37 left in the half.</p>
<p id="NxTmaG">The Saints drove down the field and took the lead when Brees found Emmanuel Sanders in the end zone for an 8-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was no good and the Saints extended their lead to 13-7 with 8:12 left in the half.</p>
<p id="mQrJub">The Panthers drove down the field again but were unable to convert on fourth-and-1 at the Saints 20-yard line and turned the ball over on downs without cutting into the deficit. The score remained 13-7 Saints with 2:52 left in the half after the Panthers lost possession.</p>
<p id="m4JjPW">The Saints drove down the field but were unable to find the end zone. They settled for a field goal as time expired on the half to go up 16-7 at halftime. </p>
<h4 id="zLSEL9">First quarter: Panthers 7 Saints 7</h4>
<p id="ncfZux">The Panthers started the game on offense and promptly went three-and-out after failing to get anything going with their first three plays. The Saints offense were given great field position after the Panthers had to punt deep inside their own territory on fourth-and-21.</p>
<p id="eNN5x0">The Saints drove straight down the field and scored the game’s first touchdown on an 18-yard pass from Drew Brees to Jared Cook. The extra point was good and the Saints jumped out to a 7-0 lead with 9:04 left in the quarter.</p>
<p id="nw8bbk">The Panthers weren’t able to get anything going on their next drive and had to punt the ball back to the Saints again. The Panthers defense did a good job at containing the Saints and forcing them to punt, with Efe Obada getting a key sack on third down to force the Saints to give the ball back to Carolina.</p>
<p id="AQsVz4">The Panthers finally put a drive together and found a way to get into the end zone to tie the game after a Rodney Smith touchdown run. Joey Slye’s extra point was good and the Panthers tied the game at 7-7 with 1:40 left in the quarter.</p>
<p id="EYmQik">The Panthers defense did their job on the next Saints drive and forced New Orleans to punt the ball back to Carolina’s offense. Tre Boston picked up a sack on third down after Jermaine Carter just missed an interception a few plays earlier. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="WeWxp4">
<h2 id="hwLJwb">Game day information</h2>
<p id="hYG20m"><strong>What:</strong> <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> vs <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a><br><strong>When:</strong> Sunday, January 3 at 4:25 p.m. ET<br><strong>Where:</strong> Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, N.C.)<br><strong>TV: </strong>FOX; Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth (<a href="https://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2020&wk=17">coverage map</a>)<br><strong>Streaming:</strong> <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fubo.tv%2Flp%2Ffootball%2F%3Fbgvideo%3Dnfl.mp4%26title%3DLive%2520Football.%2520Stream%2520and%2520DVR.%26priceline%3D*Regional%2520and%2520mobile%2520restrictions%2520apply%26cta%3DGet%25207-Day%2520Free%2520Trial%2520Now%26irad%3D356362%26irmp%3D482924%26sharedid%3DCatScratchReader&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catscratchreader.com%2F2021%2F1%2F3%2F22211383%2Fnfl-week-17-panthers-saints-live-score-updates" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">FuboTV</a>, <a href="https://www.foxsports.com/live">FOX Sports Live</a> (<em>tv login req.</em>), <a href="https://mobile.yahoo.com/sports">Yahoo! Sports</a>, <a href="http://apps.yinzcam.com/nfl/car">Panthers mobile app</a><br><strong>Radio:</strong> <a href="https://www.panthers.com/news/radio">Panthers radio</a> (local); Mick Mixon<br><strong>Spanish Radio:</strong> <a href="https://www.panthers.com/news/espanol">Panthers radio</a> (local); Jaime Moreno, Antonio Ramos<br><strong>Weather:</strong> 57° / Mostly Sunny / 9 mph W wind / 15% rain (<a href="https://weather.com/weather/weekend/l/Charlotte+NC?canonicalCityId=f78cb48d07cf1327d6a305183f2f480ab1d9cdf70de847b861272c3c87edb696">complete forecast</a>)</p>
<p id="owMRjx"><em>Note: You must have a subscription or a tv login for most streaming options.</em></p>
<p id="kvTWFs"></p>
https://www.catscratchreader.com/2021/1/3/22211383/nfl-week-17-panthers-saints-live-score-updatesBradley Smith2021-01-03T16:00:00-05:002021-01-03T16:00:00-05:00Panthers vs Saints: Week 17 open game thread
<figure>
<img alt="Carolina Panthers v New Orleans Saints" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/d728ZuGJTFwloIEUJIaYYE7ewgs=/0x0:2331x1554/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68613273/1282191660.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Panthers face the Saints in Week 17 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. today at 4:25 p.m. ET. </p> <p id="jLC18d">The Panthers close the season at home against the Saints in Week 17 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. today at 4:25 p.m. ET.</p>
<h2 id="Md7sdb">Game day information</h2>
<p id="hYG20m"><strong>What:</strong> <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> vs <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a><br><strong>When:</strong> Sunday, January 3 at 4:25 p.m. ET<br><strong>Where:</strong> Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, N.C.)<br><strong>TV: </strong>FOX; Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth (<a href="https://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2020&wk=17">coverage map</a>)<br><strong>Streaming:</strong> <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fubo.tv%2Flp%2Ffootball%2F%3Fbgvideo%3Dnfl.mp4%26title%3DLive%2520Football.%2520Stream%2520and%2520DVR.%26priceline%3D*Regional%2520and%2520mobile%2520restrictions%2520apply%26cta%3DGet%25207-Day%2520Free%2520Trial%2520Now%26irad%3D356362%26irmp%3D482924%26sharedid%3DCatScratchReader&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catscratchreader.com%2F2021%2F1%2F3%2F22211368%2Fnfl-week-17-panthers-saints-open-game-thread" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">FuboTV</a>, <a href="https://www.foxsports.com/live">FOX Sports Live</a> (<em>tv login req.</em>), <a href="https://mobile.yahoo.com/sports">Yahoo! Sports</a>, <a href="http://apps.yinzcam.com/nfl/car">Panthers mobile app</a><br><strong>Radio:</strong> <a href="https://www.panthers.com/news/radio">Panthers radio</a> (local); Mick Mixon<br><strong>Spanish Radio:</strong> <a href="https://www.panthers.com/news/espanol">Panthers radio</a> (local); Jaime Moreno, Antonio Ramos<br><strong>Weather:</strong> 57° / Mostly Sunny / 9 mph W wind / 15% rain (<a href="https://weather.com/weather/weekend/l/Charlotte+NC?canonicalCityId=f78cb48d07cf1327d6a305183f2f480ab1d9cdf70de847b861272c3c87edb696">complete forecast</a>)</p>
<p id="owMRjx"><em>Note: You must have a subscription or a tv login for most streaming options.</em></p>
<p id="xsOtRA">Use this space to talk about the action as it unfolds.</p>
<p id="WJtpkq">You know the drill.</p>
<p id="8YqCNb"><em><strong>This is now an open thread!</strong></em></p>
<p id="bbEETU"><em>Cat Scratch Reader has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Cat Scratch Reader and SB Nation may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. For more information, see our </em><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/pages/guiding-principles?_ga=2.240542981.782000093.1567114666-713609634.1567114666"><em>guiding principles</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<p id="hdMWXr"></p>
<p id="mhE1XK"></p>
https://www.catscratchreader.com/2021/1/3/22211368/nfl-week-17-panthers-saints-open-game-threadBradley Smith2021-01-03T15:05:00-05:002021-01-03T15:05:00-05:00Christian McCaffrey, Brian Burns inactive for Panthers-Saints
<figure>
<img alt="Detroit Lions v Carolina Panthers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/peLEtfd5iCO2Sj7CoJN-VwITJm8=/0x76:3661x2517/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68613076/1287070570.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Panthers and Saints have announced the players who won’t suit up for today’s season finale.</p> <p id="ZhgUbJ">The Panthers and Saints have announced the players who won’t play in today’s season finale, and there are a lot of big names who will miss today’s action.</p>
<p id="LpKn4t">The Panthers will play this game without running backs Christian McCaffrey and Mike Davis, cornerback Troy Pride Jr., defensive end Brian Burns and left tackle Russell Okung. Pride isn’t officially on the inactive list because <a href="https://twitter.com/agetzenberg/status/1345430136406085633">he was placed on injured reserve yesterday afternoon</a>. </p>
<p id="Jnk2Q4">One interesting nugget for today’s game is that quarterback/tight end Tommy Stevens is active and will potentially get a few snaps similar to how the Saints use Taysom Hill. </p>
<p id="gNYUOg">The Saints will play today’s game without their entire group of running backs after Alvin Kamara tested positive for COVID-19 and the rest of the position group were placed on the COVID-19 list due to contact tracing. This leaves the Saints with a need to use wide receiver Ty Montgomery and a practice squad pickup as their primary running backs in today’s game. I’m sure we’ll also see future hall of famer Taysom Hill get some carries as well.</p>
<p id="ShtMca">You can see the full lists of inactive players for both teams below.</p>
<h2 id="sr1z1i"><a href="https://twitter.com/agetzenberg/status/1345822273752752130">Panthers inactives</a></h2>
<p id="6ZYV5E">QB Will Grier<br>RB Christian McCaffrey <br>RB Mike Davis <br>LT Russell Okung <br>DE Brian Burns <br>DT Woodrow Hamilton<br>DB Natrell Jamerson</p>
<h2 id="w5TLSk"><a href="https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-inactives-at-the-carolina-panthers">Saints inactives</a></h2>
<p id="ol8BJ0">S Marcus Williams<br>WR Jake Kumerow<br>C Will Clapp<br>OL Derrick Kelly<br>TE Josh Hill<br>DL Malcolm Roach</p>
<p id="9CNXQ3">Kickoff is just over an hour away, Panthers fans. Are you ready?</p>
https://www.catscratchreader.com/2021/1/3/22211387/nfl-week-17-panthers-saints-game-day-inactives-christian-mccaffrey-brian-burns-alvin-kamaraBradley Smith2021-01-03T07:00:00-05:002021-01-03T07:00:00-05:00Panthers vs Saints: How to follow the action
<figure>
<img alt="Carolina Panthers v New Orleans Saints" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9RHlJkUDWW7WVZxsMH6gV8lVwxE=/0x0:3742x2495/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68611624/1282381156.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Panthers face the Saints in Week 17 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. on Sunday, January 3 at 4:25 p.m. ET.</p> <p id="jLC18d">The Panthers close the season at home against the Saints in Week 17 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. on Sunday, January 3 at 4:25 p.m. ET.</p>
<h2 id="Md7sdb">Game day information</h2>
<p id="hYG20m"><strong>What:</strong> <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> vs <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a><br><strong>When:</strong> Sunday, January 3 at 4:25 p.m. ET<br><strong>Where:</strong> Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, N.C.)<br><strong>TV: </strong>FOX; Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth (<a href="https://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2020&wk=17">coverage map</a>)<br><strong>Streaming:</strong> <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fubo.tv%2Flp%2Ffootball%2F%3Fbgvideo%3Dnfl.mp4%26title%3DLive%2520Football.%2520Stream%2520and%2520DVR.%26priceline%3D*Regional%2520and%2520mobile%2520restrictions%2520apply%26cta%3DGet%25207-Day%2520Free%2520Trial%2520Now%26irad%3D356362%26irmp%3D482924%26sharedid%3DCatScratchReader&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catscratchreader.com%2F2021%2F1%2F3%2F22206055%2Fnfl-week-17-panthers-saints-game-time-tv-radio-channel-online-mobile-streaming-weather-odds-uniforms" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">FuboTV</a>, <a href="https://www.foxsports.com/live">FOX Sports Live</a> (<em>tv login req.</em>), <a href="https://mobile.yahoo.com/sports">Yahoo! Sports</a>, <a href="http://apps.yinzcam.com/nfl/car">Panthers mobile app</a><br><strong>Radio:</strong> <a href="https://www.panthers.com/news/radio">Panthers radio</a> (local); Mick Mixon<br><strong>Spanish Radio:</strong> <a href="https://www.panthers.com/news/espanol">Panthers radio</a> (local); Jaime Moreno, Antonio Ramos<br><strong>Weather:</strong> 57° / Mostly Sunny / 9 mph W wind / 15% rain (<a href="https://weather.com/weather/weekend/l/Charlotte+NC?canonicalCityId=f78cb48d07cf1327d6a305183f2f480ab1d9cdf70de847b861272c3c87edb696">complete forecast</a>)</p>
<p id="owMRjx"><em>Note: You must have a subscription or a tv login for most streaming options.</em></p>
<h2 id="RIGpaM">Miscellaneous information</h2>
<p id="PZoSRj"><strong>Mobile app</strong></p>
<p id="Ry5FSE">You can download the official Panthers app to get live score updates during the game straight to your phone. Also, if you live in the N.C./S.C. market you can listen to the live radio broadcast of every game with the app. You can find the Panthers app in your phone’s app store or you can <a href="http://apps.yinzcam.com/nfl/car">download the app here.</a></p>
<p id="bTp6Ej"><strong>Online streaming</strong></p>
<p id="Pm0ns0"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fubo.tv%2Flp%2Ffootball%2F%3Fbgvideo%3Dnfl.mp4%26title%3DLive%2520Football.%2520Stream%2520and%2520DVR.%26priceline%3D*Regional%2520and%2520mobile%2520restrictions%2520apply%26cta%3DGet%25207-Day%2520Free%2520Trial%2520Now%26irad%3D356362%26irmp%3D482924%26sharedid%3DCatScratchReader&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catscratchreader.com%2F2021%2F1%2F3%2F22206055%2Fnfl-week-17-panthers-saints-game-time-tv-radio-channel-online-mobile-streaming-weather-odds-uniforms" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">FuboTV</a>: You can stream and record live NFL games on FuboTV if you purchase a monthly subscription to their service.</p>
<p id="pCRdmU"><a href="https://www.foxsports.com/live">FOX Sports Live</a>: You can stream live NFL games broadcast on FOX with FOX Sports Live. <em><strong>(Note: A subscription is required for this service.)</strong></em></p>
<p id="WTz2uD"><a href="https://mobile.yahoo.com/sports">Yahoo! Sports</a>: You can stream live NFL games on Yahoo! Sports’ mobile app.</p>
<p id="A37OlO"><a href="http://panthers.com/">Panthers.com</a>: You can stream all Panthers games on their website. <em><strong>(Note: This option is only available for in-market fans.)</strong></em></p>
<p id="Fs61Af"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fgamepass.nfl.com%2Fpackages&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catscratchreader.com%2F2020%2F9%2F11%2F21428006%2Fnfl-panthers-raiders-game-time-tv-radio-channel-online-streaming-weather-odds" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">NFL GamePass</a>: You can stream all NFL regular season games on demand if you purchase NFL Game Pass*. <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fgamepass.nfl.com%2Fpackages&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catscratchreader.com%2F2020%2F9%2F11%2F21428006%2Fnfl-panthers-raiders-game-time-tv-radio-channel-online-streaming-weather-odds" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">It’s a little pricey at $100</a>, but it also includes access to All-22 film. If you’re just desperate to watch the Panthers game there is a 7-day free trial, but sign up at your own risk if you’re one of those people who forgets to cancel before the free trial is over.</p>
<p id="LVhn1m"><strong>*</strong><em><strong>Note: You cannot watch regular season games live with this option. You have to wait until after the games are over before you can stream them.</strong></em></p>
<p id="RwAEaV"><a href="https://www.panthers.com/watch-live-games/ways-to-watch">To find more ways to watch the Panthers, click here.</a></p>
<p id="0o4WQg"><strong>TV replays</strong></p>
<p id="aoPicN">NFL Network will air condensed replays of a selected group of regular season games throughout the week. To see if/when the Panthers’ game will be replayed, you can check <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfl.com%2Fnetwork%2Fschedule&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catscratchreader.com%2F2020%2F9%2F11%2F21428006%2Fnfl-panthers-raiders-game-time-tv-radio-channel-online-streaming-weather-odds" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">NFL Network’s television schedule</a> for more information.</p>
<p id="vcddyy"><strong>Uniforms</strong></p>
<p id="lZCDSk">The Panthers will wear black jerseys for this game.</p>
<p id="FCoJle"><strong>Odds</strong></p>
<p id="nZHGYb">If you’re into that sort of thing, you can find info on NFL game odds by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/odds">clicking here</a>.</p>
<p id="E9rKYw">Stay tuned for a live update thread when the game kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday!</p>
<p id="xsOtRA"><em>Cat Scratch Reader has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Cat Scratch Reader and SB Nation may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. For more information, see our </em><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/pages/guiding-principles?_ga=2.240542981.782000093.1567114666-713609634.1567114666"><em>guiding principles</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<p id="N1yWBs"></p>
https://www.catscratchreader.com/2021/1/3/22206055/nfl-week-17-panthers-saints-game-time-tv-radio-channel-online-mobile-streaming-weather-odds-uniformsBradley Smith