The Panthers gave the Saints all they could handle before falling just short in New Orleans. This was a nice bounce-back game from the offense and a good showing against a national media darling. Let’s see how this close-but-no-cigar game affected the Power Rankings, starting with ESPN:
17. Carolina Panthers (3-4)
Week 7 ranking: 18
Who needs to step up: TE Ian Thomas
It would be easy to say the entire defense that just allowed the Saints to convert 12 of 14 third downs and has been horrible on third down all year.