Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The New Orleans Saints fell to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, and in the process blew a big opportunity. All the Saints had to do was defeat the Panthers and they would have clinched the NFC South division, the second seed in the playoffs and a first round bye in the playoffs. The Saints simply could not get it done as they blew their 13-10 fourth quarter lead and ended up losing 17-13 to their division rivals.
With the loss, the Saints fall to 10-5 on the season and are currently the sixth seed in the playoffs. If things stay the way they are, the Saints will have to play on the road throughout the playoffs, and so far this season the Saints have yet to prove they can win on the road. Over the past two games, both road losses, Drew Brees has thrown for just two touchdowns while tossing four interceptions. Brees needs to get back on track if the Saints hope to make the playoffs.
However, it was not just Brees who had an awful game for the Saints as things were going wrong across the board. The Saints’ offensive line gave up six sacks as rookie left tackle Terron Armstead did not impress in his first career start. On the other side of the ball, the Saints’ defense only managed four sacks and one interception as they failed to stop the late Cam Newton touchdown drive.
Next up for the Saints is the regular season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and lucky for them, they will host their division rivals. The Saints need to win against the Buccaneers just to make the playoffs. All is not lost for the Saints, but they really did give away a big opportunity on Sunday and will now have a much tougher road if they make the playoffs.
Alejandro Aviles is the Featured Writer for the New Orleans Saints at Rant Sports @aaviles312.
