The New Orleans Saints got back on track in week 13 with a big 31-21 divisional win over the Carolina Panthers. Both teams scored on their initial possessions, but New Orleans built a 21-7 lead in the second quarter and commanded the rest of the game. The 9-3 Saints gained a one-game advantage over Carolina (8-4), and sit two games ahead of the 7-5 Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South. New Orleans faces a short turnaround and another important divisional matchup this week against Atlanta on Thursday Night Football.
Week 13 New Orleans Saints Takeaways
Saints Running Backs Dominate
Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram picked up 174 yards from scrimmage in the first half alone. Kamara scored the Saints first touchdown on an outside pitch, whiie Ingram found the end zone two plays after a 74-yard run in the second quarter. They finished with a combined 145 yards on the ground, and 103 receiving yards.
The Saints offensive line played great against the Panthers third-ranked run defense. They formed a big hole on Ingram’s long run, and he wasn’t touched for the first 50 yards. In combination with their 149-yard rushing total against Carolina in week three, New Orleans has the two best rushing performances against the Panthers this season.
In his fifth consecutive game with at least 100 yards from scrimmage, Kamara joined an exclusive group in NFL history. He is now only the third running back ever to gain at least 600 yards rushing and 600 yards receiving as a rookie. Kamara also scored a touchdown for the sixth consecutive game, and continues to emerge as the front-runner for offensive rookie of the year.
Strong Defensive Performance
Following a two-game stretch where New Orleans gave up a combined 871 yards and 56 points, the Saints defense never let Carolina’s offense gain momentum. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was held to 189 yards passing, and found little room to scramble until breaking loose on a 32-yard run in the fourth quarter. Carolina’s running backs Jonathan Stewart and Christian McCaffrey picked up just 61 yards rushing. The Saints also contained McCaffrey in the passing game, and he finished with five catches for 33 yards.
Saints cornerback Ken Crawley returned to the starting lineup and stepped up in place of Marshon Lattimore as the top-slotted cornerback. Crawley broke up two passes, including a tip that prevented a deep touchdown reception. He shadowed the Panthers most productive receiver Devin Funchess, and kept him in check. Crawley gave up a 24-yard touchdown to Funchess late in the fourth quarter, but held the receiver to 33 yards prior to that play.
Injuries Aren’t Holding Back New Orleans
Along with Lattimore, the Saints were without injured starters Marcus Williams at safety, and left tackle Terron Armstead. Cornerback P.J. Williams started for the second week in a row, and had a strong performance aside from a pass interference penalty he committed on a deep ball. Vonn Bell filled in for Marcus Williams at free safety, and played well in deep coverage.
The Saints may get at least Lattimore and Armstead back in the starting lineup soon. Lattimore was on the field during pregame warm-ups, but was declared inactive at the last minute. Armstead was active, but Andrus Peat slid over from his usual position at left guard and started in Armstead’s place. Lattimore’s status will be critical this week as the Saints prepare to face quarterback Matt Ryan and the Falcons great passing attack.
