After recording a huge win against the Green Bay Packers in Week 10, the Carolina Panthers couldn’t keep up with divisional rivals, the New Orleans Saints, losing at home 17-7 on Sunday.

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ closest pursuers in the NFC South, the Panthers were expected to make a statement against a weakened opponent. However, that never happened, despite a 7-3 win in the first quarter.

New Orleans, led by rookie Tyler Shough (19-for-27 for 282 yards and two touchdowns), took care of business and gave the Panthers their fifth loss of the season. Bryce Young responded with 124 yards on 17 completions. He failed to find the end zone, as running back sensation Rico Dowdle scored the Panthers’ single touchdown of the duel.

Panthers rookie assigns blame after loss to Saints

The Panth

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