Eli Apple peaking as Saints' cornerbacks approach toughest test yet

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Eli Apple made the biggest play of the night on Monday, intercepting Cam Newton in the end zone just before halftime of the New Orleans Saints' 12-9 victory against the Carolina Panthers.

Apple also had a key tackle in the final minute of the second half to help the Saints ice the game.

And, really, the third-year cornerback has been playing lights-out for the past two weeks now -- easily his best stretch since joining the Saints in an October trade with the New York Giants.

"My teammates, they're bringing out the best in me. They push me every day, especially Coach AG [secondary coach Aaron Glenn] and the whole defensive staff," said Apple, who was traded for a 2019…