Panthers can't mount late rally, fall 20-17 to Saints

By Clark Gerber, WRAL SportsFan contributor

New Orleans Saints	20
Carolina Panthers	17
Final

The home opener wasn't pretty for the Carolina Panthers, who fell to the rival New Orleans Saints, 20-17 on Monday Night Football.

"I know it looks bad, but really I don't believe it's that far away," said Panthers head coach Frank Reich. "I know we have the players and the coaches to do it... it's just we have to execute better on offense."

That offense, led by rookie quarterback Bryce Young in his second career start, struggled most of the night. In fact, the Panthers had just 105 total yards through three quarters, before finally finding some footing while playing from behind.

Young threw his 2nd career touchdown pass to Adam Thielen with 1:16 left, setting the stage for a potential late miracle.

However, the Saints were able to recover Carolina's ensuing onside kick and hold on for a key division win.

"I think there's stuff that has gone well that we can build off of," said Young. "Obviously we're not where we need to be right now, but there's no loss of confidence, no loss of faith in the locker room."

The night actually got off to a pretty good start for the Panthers, who leaned on their defense in the first half.

Frankie Luvu led the way with two of Carolina's four sacks on the night, as they were able to keep New Orleans out of the end zone for the entire first half.

The second half was a different story however, as the Saints capitalized on a pair of long passing plays to break through.

Star receiver Chris Olave made a spectacular 42-yard catch to set up New Orleans' first touchdown in the 3rd quarter. Tony Jones Jr. paid it off with a 2-yard plunge into the end zone later in the drive.

Carolina threatened to answer on their next possession, after Bryce Young escaped for a 26-yard scramble on a 3rd & long play.

However, the drive stalled and the Panthers had to settle for Pineiro's third field goal of the night.

Moments later, the Saints hit another big play when Rashid Shaheed got behind the defense for a 45-yard catch. Jones scored another short touchdown just four plays later, giving New Orleans the benefit of a two-score lead.

One encouraging sign for the Panthers offense, Bryce Young engineered his best drive of the night with the game on the line -- albeit against a prevent defense.

Young finished the night 22/33 passing for 153 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions. He was also sacked four times and lost one fumble.

Shaq Thompson hurt

The Panthers defense did suffer a significant setback in the 1st quarter, as linebacker Shaq Thompson was injured and left the field on a cart.

Replay showed that Thompson's anke was rolled up on awkwardly after he made a tackle. Head coach Frank Reich says the injury is significant and that Thompson will likely miss "extended time."

Something about Monday night

The Panthers are now 10-8 all-time on Monday Night Football, with a 7-5 mark at home. Five out of the last six MNF games in Charlotte have been decided by four points or less.

Scoring Summary

7:04 1st Q - Eddy Pineiro Made 52 Yd Field Goal. 3-0 Panthers.

0:36 1st Q - Blake Grupe Made 28 Yd Field Goal. Game tied 3-3.

9:52 2nd Q. - Blake Grupe Made 23 Yd Field Goal. 6-3 Saints.

9:09 3rd Q. - Eddy Pineiro Made 54 Yd Field Goal. Game tied 6-6.

2:56 3rd Q. - Tony Jones Jr. 2 Yd Rush. Blake Grupe Made XP. 13-6 Saints.

5:30 4th Q. - Eddy Pineiro Made 36 Yd Field Goal. 13-9 Saints.

3:14 4th Q. - Tony Jones Jr. 2 Yd Rush Blake Grupe Made XP. 20-9 Saints

1:16 4th Q. - Adam Thielen Pass From Bryce Young for 3 Yds. Bryce Young Pass To Adam Thielen For Two-Point Conversion. 20-17 Saints.