Panthers vs. Saints score: Live updates, game stats, highlights, NFL live stream for ‘Monday Night Football’

Divisional matchups are a different animal because of the strong familiarity that comes with a playing a team twice a year. That familiarity in the “Monday Night Football” showdown between the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers manifested itself in the form of stingy defense as the Saints lead by three, 6-3, at the half. Outside of the three made field goals between the two teams, the Saints and Panthers have combined for eight drives, not including the end of the half, that resulted in six combined punts, an interception and a fumble. 

Both the Panthers (45.2% quarterback pressure rate allowed, fifth-worst in NFL) and the Saints (44.7% quarterback pressure rate allowed, sixth-worst in NFL) entered the night as two of the worst pass-protection teams in the NFL. Both Saints quarterback Derek Carr and 2023 first overall pick Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young felt the heat in the first half. Carr was sped up on a third-down throw over the middle to receiver Chris Olave, which led to an interception by Panthers safety Vonn Bell. Young and the Panthers offense received favorable field position, beginning their ensuing possession at the Saints’ 37-yard line. 

Four plays later, Young was strip-sacked by Saints defensive end Carl Granderson, and after the football was kicked and batted down the field by diving players attempting to recover the loose ball, New Orleans cornerback Paulson Adebo recovered the fumble at the Saints’ 41. Young finished the half with 66 passing yards on 8 of 13 passing as well as the lost fumble and two sacks taken. Carr totaled 102 yards and an interception on 13 of 26 passing while absorbing three sacks. 

Stay tuned to the live blog below to see if either offense can create separation in this defensive slugfest.