The Panthers started the game on defense after winning the coin toss and deferring to the second half. The defense played well in spots but the Saints benefited from bad spots that gave them extra first downs they didn’t really get, and they used that advantage to drive down the field and take an early 7-0 lead thanks to a circus catch by Jared Cook in the end zone.
The Panthers offense got off to a decent start on their own but stalled in Saints territory and had to settle for a 43-yard field goal attempt from Joey Slye.