Panthers Claw The Saints; Smith Breaks Team Record

How do I say this? Wow! What a game our Carolina Panthers played Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. I am still clueless as to how we held the league's fourth highest-scoring offense to only seven points. I mean, this team was on another level compared to last Sunday's disappointing loss to the rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Panthers lead the all-time series against the Saints 15-12. They are currently 5-2 and tied for the lead in the NFC South with Tampa Bay. If you were in Bank of America Stadium Sunday, the energy level from the fans was a whole different story.  Like they say, winning draws supporters and that is exactly what the Panthers have done this season so far.

Julius Peppers: Where do I start?  Peppers is ranked as the Panthers all-time leader with 60.0 sacks. He recorded one sack and forced a fumble Sunday.

Many fans had doubts about Peppers coming into the season after a disappointing 2007 season.  Peppers has tremendously stepped up his game, already recording four sacks on the season; twice his total from last season. 

You can see how rejuvenated he is this season, as he has some "Pep in his step." You can see him out on the field getting the fans pumped up on those third down situations and that's what fans like to see, someone that will bring high energy to this team.

My Grade: A

Steve Smith: For those that do not know, Smith is the man. This Sunday, Smith broke the all-time Panthers record for touchdowns with 47. He also compiled his second consecutive and 24th career 100-yard receiving performance with 122 yards.  He also recorded a touchdown and a season-high of six catches.

My Grade: A+ 

Running Backs: DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart combined for 134 yards rushing and one touchdown on 35 attempts.  My Grade: B+ 

Offensive: The O-Line gave Jake plenty of time to make wise decisions and gave the running game the boost that they need to be successful, allowing only one sack. The Panthers are 5-0 when they rush for more than 100 yards. Jake had one of his great afternoons and did not throw an interception Sunday.

My Grade: A

Defense: The Panthers had two takeaways and a sack Sunday. Julius Peppers, Ken Lucas, and Chris Harris all had an outstanding day Sunday, making great plays out on the field. This defense also stopped Reggie Bush, Drew Brees and the Saints' high scoring offense.

My Grade: A+

Coaching: There was a time early in the game where I thought Carolina was going to let up on the Saints and, boy, was I wrong. Did anyone see the flea flicker play that they called?  That was awesome and I hope we call more trick plays like this in the weeks to come.

My Grade: A 

My game ball will go to the defense for their outstanding play this Sunday and for holding the Saints to only seven points.

The Panthers next game is this Sunday at Bank of America Stadium against the Arizona Cardinals at 1 p.m.

I will have a scouting report posted before Saturday for this game.