Panthers vs. Saints: Complete Report Card Grades for Carolina
It was opposite day as the Carolina Panthers (4-8-1) rolled into the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and upset the New Orleans Saints (5-8) 41-10. The Panthers looked more like the Saints in recent years as they played nearly flawless football. New Orleans continued to struggle at home with its fourth loss in five games.
For Carolina, the win improves its chances at repeating as division champs. Only half a game separates it from New Orleans, but a loss by the Atlanta Falcons on Monday would put it a half game out of first place.
The Panthers played well in every facet of the game as the defense was excellent and put on its best show of the season. Carolina's offense seemed to improve overnight as the offensive line played nearly flawless football. Both the running and passing games benefited as a result of the marked improvement.
How did the individual positions grade out?
Well, compared the past few weeks, these grades are drastically better and perhaps the best each unit has seen since Week 1.
Quarterback
1 of 10
Cam Newton rebounded from a series of mediocre and poor games to put on one of the finest performances of his young career. He did not turn the ball over, snapping a streak of eight games. After being dominated in the first meeting, Newton went into New Orleans and redeemed himself.
He was 21-of-33 for 226 yards and three touchdowns. He was just as impressive on the ground as he rushed for 83 yards on 12 carries and a score.
The only blemish on his outstanding day was missing a wide open Jerricho Cotchery early in the game. Other than that, he did an excellent job of spreading the ball around and finding his targets.
Newton was involved in a bit of a scrum following his rushing touchdown as he did his Superman celebration. New Orleans defensive end Cameron Jordan took exception to it, and the result was a full-out brawl. While Newton didn't do anything wrong, the act was seen as taunting (it really depends on who you are), and in the end it led to the ejection of backup tight end Brandon Williams.
Despite the extracurricular activity, Newton showed what he can do when he has proper protection and time to throw the ball. This was a positive sign as the Panthers move forward.
Grade: A
Running Backs
2 of 10
Sunday was hands down the best rushing performance for Carolina this season. In total, Panthers running backs gained 188 yards on 28 carries. They combined for two touchdowns with Jonathan Stewart rushing for a 69-yard score and Fozzy Whittaker scoring on a screen pass.
Stewart's day was one of his career-best. He rushed for 155 yards, and his long touchdown run was his longest of his six-year career. Still, his performance was a welcome sight for those Carolina fans needing to take away something positive from the Panthers running game.
Mike Tolbert was more of an asset in the passing game than on the ground, but his presence did allow the offense to move the ball effectively. Tolbert had 34 yards receiving compared to 28 yards rushing. After being out for much of the season, he looked rejuvenated and could be a vital asset with three games left to play.
Whittaker only had five yards on the ground, but his touchdown catch on a Cam Newton screen pass allowed the Panthers to show how talented their depth chart can be when everyone is playing well. Two key blocks sprung him and allowed him to go the 26 yards for the score.
Overall, this was an excellent day for Carolina running backs and reminded fans of the old days with the ground-and-pound rushing philosophy.
Grade: A+
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
3 of 10
The Panthers receivers did their job as Kelvin Benjamin, Philly Brown and Greg Olsen each turned in solid performances. Olsen led the way with 10 receptions for 72 yards and a score. His touchdown was the result of a perfectly executed play action that allowed him to get wide open in the end zone. New Orleans failed in its attempt to cover him.
Benjamin was on the Panthers' first scoring play as Cam Newton hit him from nine yards out. The touchdown was the rookie's ninth of the year and helped further his case for Offensive Rookie of the Year. There were two notable black marks on Benjamin's day. He was flagged for unnecessary roughness after continuing to hit his man after he was on the ground. The other was a dropped pass on a beautifully thrown deep pass from Newton.
Philly Brown didn't score in this game but had three catches for 42 yards. He was close to coming down with a touchdown grab. But the play was broken up, and Brown landed hard on his arm. He would go to the sideline and later be carted off to the locker room.
The only glaring issue from this unit came during Newton's rushing touchdown that was followed by the brawl between the two teams. Brandon Williams was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after throwing a punch and was ejected from the game. This team is usually good about being disciplined in such situations, but the lapse of judgment on Williams' part led to his premature exit.
Grade: A-
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Offensive Line
4 of 10
After weeks of poor performances and poor grades, the offensive line put together one of the best games ever seen in Carolina and its best of the year. There are plenty of things to talk about, as the line was nearly flawless against New Orleans.
First, the play of left tackle Byron Bell was amazing. He was on his blocks all day and looked seamless in the blocking scheme. This was the way he was supposed to be playing all along, and Sunday's game will serve as the measuring stick to which he will be held to for the remainder of the season.
Second, the blocking of Ryan Kalil and Trai Turner was outstanding. As noted earlier in the slideshow, Fozzy Whittaker was able to score because of two key blocks. Those were courtesy of both of those linemen and showed what was expected of them all season. For Turner, it was nice to see him display the blocking ability that made him a third-round pick last May.
The fact that Cam Newton was kept clean all game long speaks volumes about the offensive line's efforts. It has been a while since the Panthers were able to have a sack-free game on offense, and the fact that the unit played a part in the offense gaining 497 yards speaks volumes about the performance.
Grade: A+
Defensive Line
5 of 10
The success of the Carolina Panthers defense begins in the trenches, and the fact that it held a potent New Orleans offense to 10 points is incredible in its own right. Carolina's defensive line saw the return of Star Lotulelei, and while quiet, he did have a tackle for loss.
Charles Johnson provided a disruptive presence off the edge, but he was unable to get a sack. However, Kawann Short had his back on a play where Johnson came up short and was able to take down Drew Brees. Mario Addison added a sack of his own, upping his season total to five.
After allowing Mark Ingram to have a career day against it a few weeks ago in Charlotte, the Panthers defensive front denied him of a repeat and limited him to 43 yards on the ground.
The unit was physical and aggressive all game, and in the end its efforts were rewarded with a huge win while a high-scoring offense was grounded.
Grade: A
Linebackers
6 of 10
Luke Kuechly made a statement with the first defensive play from Carolina Sunday. He hit Mark Ingram and tackled him after he picked one yard. The impact of the hit set the tone for how physical the Panthers were going to be all afternoon. Kuechly finished the day with seven tackles, one for a loss and two passes defended.
His partner in crime, Thomas Davis, was a bit quieter than usual, but he still ended his day with five tackles and a defended pass. He did bring his usual physical style of play with him, and it was noticeable when he laid a hit on opposing players.
Ben Jacobs, Colin Jones and A.J. Klein turned in decent performances and aided the Carolina defense in stopping the New Orleans offense.
All around, the unit had a good day, and while Kuechly and Davis didn't reach double digits in tackles, the defense's play was so good they didn't have to be tackling machines.
Grade: A
Secondary
7 of 10
Credit goes to the secondary for shutting down Drew Brees. While some of that is due to the pass rush, the Carolina defensive backs had a good day and held the elite quarterback to 235 yards and only yielded one touchdown. By the time New Orleans got into the end zone, the game was well in hand.
Rookies Tre Boston and Bene Benwikere started in this game, with the latter leading the Panthers in tackles with eight. Additionally, he intercepted a pass and deflected a second one. His efforts provided a reason for optimism about the future of Carolina's cornerbacks.
Roman Harper returned to New Orleans for the first time as a visiting player. He was physical and added a degree of chippiness to an already hostile game between the rivals.
Josh Norman played a great game, as he had four tackles and seems to have embraced the starting cornerback role in Carolina. He played with a fiery temperament and kept his assignments in check.
If the Panthers can get this kind of play from their defensive backfield to close out the season, it could go a long way in helping the team retain its division title.
Grade: A-
Special Teams
8 of 10
The punt team has some work to do, but at least it did not allow New Orleans to block any of Brad Nortman's punts. However, the coverage was a bit poor early on, as the New Orleans return man, Jalen Saunders, had two big returns. Each gave the Saints excellent starting position, but they only had three points to show for it.
Graham Gano was perfect on all his points after touchdown (PAT) and field-goal attempts. Then again, such aspects of the game are usually flawless in a blowout win.
Carolina only had two punt returns—both by Brenton Bersin. He only gained seven yards on them, but the need to do something special on the return was not needed based on the effectiveness of the Carolina offense.
Grade: B-
Coaching
9 of 10
Ron Rivera got a bounce-back win in a big way Sunday. He took his team into a division rival's house and left with a lopsided victory. While it could be argued this is the kind of win that was expected of Carolina when the season started, the way in which the Panthers won fell in line with his coaching philosophy.
Mike Shula and Sean McDermott deserve high praise for this week after the excellent jobs both did in preparing their players and getting them ready for New Orleans. However, the offensive line was the MVP of the Panthers Sunday afternoon.
Offensive line coach John Matsko gets the kudos for that, and how the line performed was the main reason why Carolina dominated and ultimately upset New Orleans.
Grade: A+
Final Grade
10 of 10
Quarterback: A
Running Backs: A+
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: A-
Offensive Line: A+
Defensive Line: A
Linebackers: A
Secondary: A-
Special Teams: B-
Coaching: A+
Final Grade: A-
Carolina needed a win in the worst way and got it. The Panthers still have a lot to prove if they are to be contenders, but upsetting a division rival on its home turf is a great start. Carolina has three left to play and still needs to win out. Of course, a little help is needed if the Panthers are to come away with the division crown.
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