Panthers Hold Off Saints, 23-20

The Panthers defense held the Saints to just a field goal in the first half, and Carolina held on to beat New Orleans, 23-20, in Charlotte on Thursday night. Cam Newton threw for 192 yards and a touchdown, as the Panthers won the third of their last four games.

Carolina (4-6) led 20-3 at the half on the strength of two Panthers’ first-half touchdowns and two field goals. The Saints, who committed two turnovers and had a kick blocked, rallied in the fourth quarter when Drew Brees threw touchdown passes to Brandon Coleman and Coby Fleener. However, New Orleans (4-6) got no closer.

Carolina won despite suffering several key injuries in the game. Center Ryan Kalil exited with a right shoulder injury. Panthers sack leader Mario Addison suffered a foot injury, and Carolina stud linebacker Luke Kuechly was carted off with a possible concussion and knee injury.

Brees threw for 285 yards and two scores, with an interception, for the Saints.