GAME RUNNER:
Recap: OK, new rules – first team to pick up a first down wins. Both offenses are struggling early on. The Panthers manage a 45-yard field goal by John Kasay after Saints corner Jason David is flagged for pass interference on Drew Carter, resulting in a 41-yard gain. That is Carolina’s only first down of the first quarter. Carolina’s defense has played well early on.
Big play: Julius Peppers tips a Drew Brees pass at the line of scrimmage and then intercepts it. However, the Panthers are unable to cash in, failing to pick up a fourth-and-1 at the Saints 40.
Big mistake: Jeff King was flagged for an illegal formation nullifying a 41-yard completion from David Carr to Drew Carter. On the next play, Carr was sacked and the Panthers were forced to punt.
Comment: David Carr, starting for the injured Vinny Testaverde, goes to Steve Smith six times in the opening quarter, but completes only pass to him. The Saints are sending everyone after Carr -- and you can’t blame them.
Score: Carolina 3, New Orleans 0
2nd quarter
Recap: After stuffing the Panthers on a fourth-and-1 at the 40, the Saints drive 60 yards for the go-ahead touchdown. Brees finds second-year receiver Lance Moore in the corner of the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown pass. Moore beats corner Patrick Dendy on the play.
Big play: Panthers guard Mike Wahle is flagged for a false start on a second-and-goal at the Saints 4. Carr attempts two miserable pass attempts and the Panthers settle for another Kasay field goal.
Big mistake: Carr, who may be the worst quarterback ever to suit up for the Panthers, badly overthrows Dwayne Jarrett and is intercepted near midfield with the Panthers already losing 7-3. As the half comes to a close, fans are chanting, “We want Moore!” trying to convince coach John Fox to bench Carr for backup Matt Moore. Can’t blame them.
Comment: Wide receiver Steve Smith leaves the game briefly to have his knee looked at on the sidelines. He appears to be fine and returns to the game. The Panthers avoid giving up an easy three near the end of the half after Kasay boots the kickoff out of bounds.
Score: New Orleans 10, Carolina 6.