Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints: Live New Orleans Score and Analysis

The New Orleans Saints dropped their fourth straight home game on Sunday, as they were nearly run out of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in a shocking 41-10 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

New Orleans needed a win in its race for first place in the NFC South, but victory was never within reach in this one.

The Panthers came in having lost six in a row, but that didn’t stop them from dominating the Saints in all phases.

Quarterback Cam Newton turned in a fine performance for the Panthers, as he used both his arm and his legs to give the New Orleans defense fits.

Rob Ryan’s struggling unit had trouble with just about everything the Panthers threw at them on Sunday. Carolina running back Jonathan Stewart enjoyed a 155-yard outing on the ground, while tight end Greg Olsen hauled in 10 receptions.

The Panthers set the tone at the onset of the game, as they marched 80 yards for a score on their first possession, while the Saints committed turnovers on two of their first three plays.

Things never improved for New Orleans, and the Saints now find themselves at 5-8 with just three games to go.

Sean Payton’s club is still in contention for a post-season berth, but today’s awful performance has to make Saints' players and coaches question whether or not they truly belong in the playoffs.

New Orleans travels to Chicago next week for a Monday night matchup with the Bears.