The Panthers started the game on offense and promptly went three-and-out after failing to get anything going with their first three plays. The Saints offense were given great field position after the Panthers had to punt deep inside their own territory on fourth-and-21.
The Saints drove straight down the field and scored the game’s first touchdown on an 18-yard pass from Drew Brees to Jared Cook. The extra point was good and the Saints jumped out to a 7-0 lead with 9:04 left in the quarter.
The Panthers weren’t able to get anything going on their next drive and had to punt the ball back to the Saints again.