For much of the night Monday, the Carolina Panthers were the better football team.

They managed to slow the potent New Orleans Saints attack, holding Drew Brees and Co. out of the end zone through three quarters. But critical mistakes throughout the game caught up with them at the end when the Saints offense woke up in the fourth quarter to secure a 12-9 win.

Panthers’ last gasp falls short

The Panthers found one last chance at life when Saints receiver Tommylee Lewis fumbled the ball through the end zone as the Saints looked to put the game away in the final two minutes. Lewis appeared to have first-down yardage inside the 2-yard line but lost control of the ball through the end zone and out of bounds for a touchback.

But Carolina couldn’t convert on the touchback, eventually turning the ball over on downs on the ensuing possession. Newton has reportedly been hampered by a shoulder issue for much of the season, and it looked like it as he struggled to throw the ball downfield on Carolina’s final drive.

With the win, the Saints improved to 12-2, taking firm control of the top seed over the 11-3 Los Angeles Rams in the NFC while delivering a crippling blow to the now 6-8 Panthers’ playoff hopes.

Blown opportunities for Panthers

The Panthers saw multiple opportunities to capitalize on their strong defensive effort thwarted by turnovers. A James Bradberry interception of Drew Brees late in the second quarter set the Panthers up in the red zone with time winding down.

But a Cam Newton pass to Devin Funchess in the end zone ended up in the hands of Saints cornerback Eli Apple, whose interception kept Carolina’s first-half edge at 7-6.

The Panthers had another chance to extend their lead late in the third quarter when Newton handed off to rookie receiver D.J. Moore from the 50-yard-line. Moore raced deep into Saints territory before fumbling the ball for another turnover.

Saints finally find end zone in fourth quarter

The Saints took over and used the ensuing possession to take their first lead of the game when Alvin Kamara eventually scampered for a 16-yard touchdown.

Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson intercepted Brees’ two-point conversion attempt and returned it for a Carolina score, but the 12-9 score would prove to be final.

Worries about Saints offense?

The Saints will face questions about an offense held to 12 points or fewer in two out of the last three games, with the other instance a stunning 13-10 loss to the Cowboys in Week 13.

Brees struggled on Monday, completing 23-of-35 attempts for 203 yards with an interception, a pair of sacks and zero touchdowns, looking little like the director of the juggernaut offense that has defined New Orleans this season.

But the Saints finish the season with a pair of games at home. If they hold serve in the Superdome, they won’t play another road game this season, which will give them ample opportunity to find their rhythm again.

For the Panthers, it’s the sixth straight loss after a promising 6-2 start that has collapsed in disappointment. There will be plenty of questions for head coach Ron Rivera and how to address the team’s future in the offseason.

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