Biggest takeaways from the Panthers’ painful Week 15 loss to Saints

The Carolina Panthers’ momentum in direction of their first playoff berth since 2017 stalled as soon as extra, and now twice to the New Orleans Saints.

For the second time right here in 2025, the Saints spoiled the hopes of the Panthers. Their newest trip-up got here of their journey right down to New Orleans, the place they ate a painful 20-17 loss on Sunday.

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Let’s go over our greatest takeaways from the disappointing defeat . . .

Protection’s errors show pricey

Carolina’s protection was answerable for lots of their 11 penalties on the night. Drawing fouls on a variety of errors—together with palms to the face, holding, go interference and personals—the unit was merely not sharp sufficient.

Security Lathan Ransom’s pointless roughness foul on Saints quarterback Tyler Shough was, maybe, the most expensive of all. The rookie’s hit on the sliding passer gave New Orleans an additional 15 yards within the waning seconds of the sport and arrange the go-ahead 47-yard discipline purpose.

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The group additionally lapsed in protection, giving up damaging chunks within the second half. Saints wideout Chris Olave recorded 4 of his six catches and 78 of his 85 yards within the fourth.

An absence of self-discipline doomed the Panthers.

Saints protection stifles Panthers offense as soon as extra

Panthers quarterback Bryce Younger was sound for a lot of the sport—maintaining performs alive, working and producing throws from muddied pockets and showcasing the creativity that saved his crew alive. However the Saints protection made sufficient stops to carry him and Carolina at bay.

Younger accomplished 15 of his 24 throws for 163 yards and a landing. He additionally scrambled for an additional 49 yards.

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New Orleans, nevertheless, saved the strain on—particularly in Carolina’s last offensive possession previous to the game-winning kick. In addition they contained the dashing assault, holding operating backs Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard to a mixed 78 yards on 24 carries.

Like he did in Week 10, Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley was capable of get one of the best of Panthers head coach and offensive play-caller Dave Canales.

Panthers nonetheless management their very own playoff future

Yeah, this loss was a bummer—but it surely’s not, by any means, a nail in Carolina’s coffin.

The Panthers and Buccaneers, each at 7-7, will go into their Week 16 showdown in a tie atop the NFC South. They’re going to additionally match up in opposition to each other in Week 18, to shut out the common season.

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With Tampa Bay seemingly spiraling, Carolina nonetheless has an excellent alternative forward of them.

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This text initially appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers vs. Saints 2025: Greatest takeaways from the Week 15 loss