Saints-Panthers Halftime Report - Week 17

New Orleans Saints versus Carolina Panthers halftime report with stats and analysis of the first half action.

New Orleans Saints versus Carolina Panthers halftime report with stats and analysis of the first half action.

Jan 2, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton claps during pregame warm ups before their game against the Carolina Panthers at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

SAINTS DRIVES

1st Drive

• Taysom Hill and Alvin Kamara connected on two plays to get the team within the redzone.
• New Orleans took a timeout on a 3rd and 12.  
• Failed to convert on third down.
• B. Maher kicked a 41-yard field goal with 4:09 on the clock.
• The Saints still haven't scored a touchdown on the opening drive.  This must be disturbing for Sean Payton.

2nd Drive

• New Orleans goes 3-and-out and gained only seven yards.
• Saints punt on 4th down.

3rd Drive

• Saints could not take advantage of being inside the redzone after PJ Williams caused the fumble from the sack of Darnold.
• Maher kicked another field goal

4th Drive

• Callaway's pretty catch for 30 yards extends the drive.
• Panthers are not allowing the Saints to rush today.
• Callaway drops a first down. Next play, Hill sacked. 
• Punt by Gillikin.

Final Drive

• Callaway saved another drive off a back-shoulder throw from Taysom Hill.
• Callaway AGAIN!  15 yard gain. Saints within FG range.
• 3rd and 1. Saints to try field goal.
• Offsides penalty by Panthers helps the Saints.
• Maher kicks a 41-yard field goal. GOOD

Jan 2, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) is tackled by several New Orleans Saints defenders in the first quarter at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY

PANTHERS DRIVES

1st Drive

• First drive yielded points for Panthers
• 12 plays, 61 yards, 6:55
•  L.Hajrullahu boots a 32-yard field goal at 8:09 in the first-quarter.

2nd Drive

• The Panthers moved close to the mid-field before the first-quarter ended.
• (13:22) (Shotgun) C.Hubbard right end for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. L.Hajrullahu extra point is GOOD, Center-J.Jansen, Holder-L.Edwards.
• Scoring Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 5:56 
• Hubbard is giving the Saints defense problems.

3rd Drive

• Strip-Sack fumble.

4th Drive

• 3-and-out; Cam Jordan sack

5th Drive

• 4 plays, 16 yards, Punt

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FIRST-HALF ANALYSIS

1. The score is tie at 3 at the end of the first quarter with Carolina on the move.
2. Darnold is 7/7 for 64 yards, and 104.8 rating
3. Hill is 3/4 for 50 yards, and 116.7 rating
4. Panthers had 7 first downs in the quarter
5. 2 offsides penalties by the Saints defense
6. Hubbard has been a surprise for Saints defense
7. Panthers winning the time of possession and 3rd down conversions.
8. Hill still looks a bit off his timing with the receivers.
9. New Orleans lost a prime opportunity to tie the Panthers after the Williams strip-sack on Darnold.  Hill could not move the football and connect with Kamara.
10. The offensive and defensive lines of the Saints are getting pushed around on rushing plays.   
11. Taysom Hill had two first downs dropped by Callaway in the first half.
12. Where is Kamara in the Saints' offense?
13. -4 rushing yards by the Saints

KEY PLAYS

• PJ Williams sacked Darnold, Davenport recovered.
• Cam Jordan sacked Darnold for a second time with 7:56 in the 2nd quarter.
• Callaway 30-yard catch.
• Callaway drops a first down.  Next play, Hill sacked.  Punt ahead.

SCORING

1. Panthers 3, Saints 0 - 1st quarter, 8:09
2. Panthers, 3, Saints 3 - 1st quarter, 4:09
3. Panthers 10, Saints 3 - 2nd quarter, 13:22
4. Panthers 10, Saints 6 - 2nd quarter, 8:45
5. Panthers 10, Saints 9 - 2nd quarter. 0:00

HALFTIME SCORE

Panthers 10, Saints 9

Jan 2, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill (7) warms up before their game against the Carolina Panthers at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

STANDOUT PLAYERS

Saints

• Taysom Hill: 11/17, 166, 96.7 rating
• Alvin Kamara: 5 rushes, -4 yards; 4 rec, 56 yards
• Marquez Callaway: 4 rec, 80 yards
• L. Humphrey: 2 rec, 26 yards
• Cam Jordan: 2 Sacks

Panthers

• Sam Darnold: 9/12, 88 yards, 95.1 rating
• C. Hubbard: 11 rushes, 43 yards, 1 TD
• A. Abdullah: 4 rushes, 20 yards; 3 receptions, 26 yards