RealGM

This is a big one. Both teams are 9-3, but Saints hold better Conference record, so an even record at end gives tie breaker to the Saints. Panthers need to win on the road and continue winning streak. But Saints are fierce at home. Saints are favored. Panthers have Williams and Johnson back, so that helps.

Panthers with the ball on opening drive and move into Saints territory. Convert on 3rd and long. In FG range, but we need to score TD's against the Saints. Use the clock and score TD's. Just inside the red zone, 3rd and 4. Sacked. Gonna have to try a long FG now. Good from 45 yards. Panthers lead 3-0. Now the defense has to find a way to slow down the Saints.

Defense forces a 3 and out. Back in the red zone. 1st and goal at the 10, and loss of 2 on the first play. Now 3rd and goal from the 6. Thrown away. Another FG and Panthers lead 6 - 0,

Saints score TD to go up 7-6 This is why we need TD's and not FG's. Panthers move into Saints territory, but have to punt. Saints move the ball and now have 2nd and goal. Defense is not stopping Brees right now, and he gets his 2nd TD pass. Saints lead 14-6. Panthers must respond with points,

Panthers stopped and it is 4th and 20 at their own 10. Saints will have a great chance to put up more points, Not what we needed, We needed TD's, not FG's.

Saints score TD to go up 21 - 6. Defense is not stopping Saints and we do not have a chance if the Defense fails us like this.

Held them to a FG. But traded 4th qtr TD's. Final is 31 - 13 Saints. They take a 1 game lead in division with 3 games left. We do play them in Charlotte, but a tied record still leaves them with the tie breaker by Conference Record, so they effectively have a 2 game lead. We have to be content with a Wild Card. Just have to get some momentum back.