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Saints take over NFC South lead with victory over Panthers

Bob Donnan / USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints have played themselves back into the mix in the NFC South over the past five days.

After beating the Green Bay Packers last week, they beat up on an underachieving Carolina Panthers team Thursday for a 28-10 win and now have sole possession of first place in the division.

The Panthers looked anemic on offense for most of the game, led by an unprotected Cam Newton who consistently overthrew his receivers.

Here's what you need to know:

  • The Saints struggled to protect Drew Brees, who had two turnovers in the first quarter but rebounded quickly, throwing for 297 yards and contributing two total touchdowns.
  • Brees orchestrated a perfect two-minute drive to end the first half - ending in a Jimmy Graham touchdown - that shifted the game in favor of the Saints.
  • Cam Newton was sacked four times, once for a fumble, and also threw an interception. The Panthers were missing three starters along the offensive line and it showed.
  • Mark Ingram ran with purpose, totaling 100 yards and two touchdowns. He has rushed the ball 54 times for 272 yards and 3 touchdowns in the past five days.
  • Newton missed open receivers several times throughout the game, including a sure Kelvin Benjamin touchdown in the fourth quarter. Benjamin also dropped a touchdown in the first half.

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