Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down

Special Teams not Panthers' Only Issue

A quick summary of what went right, what went wrong and what went off the rails during Carolina's 34-31 loss at New Orleans.

THUMBS UP: The Panthers showed moxie, overcoming a lightning-fast 14-0 deficit to eventually tie the game 31-31 with 9:23 remaining.

"Another tough one. It hurts, sucks, but we still got games left so once again our approach has gotta stay the same."

More from Christian McCaffrey on today's game ⬇️@wcnc | @SportsWCNC | #NFL | #Panthers | #Saints pic.twitter.com/WlMnDAk60k

— Ashley Stroehlein (@ashstro) November 24, 2019

THUMBS DOWN: Special teams continue to be an issue, and not just Joey Slye. Yes, Carolina's kicker missed two PATs as well as a 28-yard field goal that would've given Carolina its only lead with 1:56 remaining. But don't forget the punt Gaulden muffed in the first quarter that eventually turned into New Orleans' second touchdown of the game.

Watch: Saints special teams unit recovers Panthers' muffed punt https://t.co/n32aSCVs20

— TheSaintsWire (@TheSaintsWire) November 24, 2019

THUMBS UP: Kyle Allen looked like Kyle Allen 1.0, the version everyone became familiar with during Carolina's four-game win streak. Allen was 23 of 36 for 256 and three touchdowns and no turnovers. And the second-year quarterback didn't get shellshock as the Saints jumped out to their 14-0 lead or as time and chances evaporated in the fourth quarter.

Kyle Allen on this moment: I told him I was in the same position last week … It’s a team game and we have to pick each other up. https://t.co/DQXZFiTnJs

— Bill Voth (@BillVothNFL) November 24, 2019

THUMBS DOWN: NFL officiating continues to baffle if not infuriate. Exhibit 'A' -- New Orleans' Cam Jordan is called for a personal foul for trying to punch the ball loose while Kyle Allen is being sacked. He struck part of Allen and was flagged, but the question is this — if he's being flagged for throwing an intentional punch, shouldn't he be ejected? 

Cam Jordan (on personal foul play): "I saw DD (Demario Davis) had the quarterback wrapped up. Immediately, I knew he was going to swing around, so I was trying to punch the ball out. Whistle blew, I tried to back up off of it. Personal foul happens. That's a bone-headed move."

— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) November 24, 2019

THUMBS UP: Riverboat Ron Rivera challenged a defensive pass interference penalty that wasn't called — and won.

Ron Rivera now at podium
-On the challenged PI-he got some advice from Sam Mills (D-Line/Game Management Coach up in the Panthers booth to challenge call
Says the situation in game fit the criteria to look closer
Late in game/end zone pic.twitter.com/khcsjfMqmr

— Eric Richey (@EricRicheyVSN) November 24, 2019

THUMBS DOWN: Offensive coordinator Norv Turner did a masterful job for much of the game, though playcalling near the goal line was impotent and questionable.

THUMBS UP: The defense coming through and making enough stops against a good offensive team to give the Panthers a chance. That includes a second-half interception that was Carolina's first forced turnover since Week 9

HE SAID IT: ""I’ve been in the same exact spot he was — last week. I just told him we’re going to need you down the line. I threw four picks last week."

— Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen on what he said to kicker Joey Slye.