NEW ORLEANS – The unbeaten Carolina Panthers played arguably their worst half of the season but trailed the New Orleans Saints only 16-13.
The halftime deficit was the first for Carolina since the fifth game when it trailed 10-7 at Seattle.
But that wasn’t the result of sloppy play. This was.
The Panthers had an interception and two fumbles, including one returned 31 yards for a touchdown. They had an extra point attempt blocked, the first time in NFL history a PAT has been returned for two points.
All this came against the 31st-ranked defense in the NFL.