The Carolina Panthers lost 12-9 in Week 15, extending their losing streak to six and dropping their record to 6-8. They hung with the NFC-leading New Orleans Saints all throughout Monday night’s game, but once again suffered a one-score loss.
Overall, the Panthers are now 3-7 in games decided by eight points or less this season. And while they’re 5-2 at home, they have lost their last two contests at Bank of America Stadium.
With two games remaining, the Panthers still have a microscopic chance to make the playoffs. However, they will start backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons and unless they’re still in contention come Week 17, Cam Newton’s season is likely over. Carolina’s franchise QB has struggled in recent weeks while dealing with a right shoulder injury, and the team finally made the decision to sit him on Wednesday.
The Panthers’ defense put together arguably its best performance of the season against the Saints. Carolina held one of the NFL’s top offenses to just 12 points and one touchdown while forcing two turnovers.
Not only that, but second-year running back Christian McCaffrey again came to play. The biggest bright spot for the Panthers’ offense in 2018, he continued to play at a high level on Monday night.
Here’s a glance at the three best performances from the Panthers’ Week 15 loss to the Saints. It goes without saying that McCaffrey will appear on the list as he has most weeks, but he is joined this week by a pair of defensive players.
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