The New Orleans Saints (8-0) got their third straight comeback win as they were able to fight back from a 17-3 deficit against the Carolina Panthers (3-5) to stay undefeated.  The Panthers came ready to play and were quickly up 14-0 after the first quarter.  The Saints could not contain the Panthers’ running back DeAngelo Williams early in this one.  Williams put the Panthers up very early when he broke out for a 66-yard touchdown run early in the first.  He added another first quarter touchdown about seven minutes later and the Saints looked a little shocked.  They were able to get a few field goals in the second quarter and found themselves down 17-6 at halftime.  They finally woke up in the second half though, putting up 24 points and holding the Panthers to only a third quarter field goal.

Although the Saints defense did not do a good job overall stopping the run, giving up 182 rushing yards, they made plays when it mattered most.  Late in the game with the Saints up only three, Thomas Morstead made a great punt which Malcom Jenkins dove and kept the ball out of the endzone.  The Panthers got the ball on their own 1-yard line and the Saints’ Anthony Hargrove made the play of the game.  He stripped DeAngelo Williams and recovered it for a game sealing touchdown.  The offense didn’t have a monster game, but Drew Brees did throw for a touchdown and 330 yards on 24/30 attempt.  He did throw one pick, but he and receiver Robert Meachum had great chemistry, hooking up five times for 98 yards and a touchdown.  They got a combined 67 yards on 18 carries from Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush, including a Thomas touchdown early in the third quarter.  After this win this Saints team became the first in franchise history to go 8-0.  The Saints have never been to the Super Bowl, but it looks like this might be their year.