- 9 hours ago
Category
🎮️
GamingTranscript
00:18I'll see you next time.
00:45Happy to have you in, Mike Tirivo, along with Greg Olson, Charlie Smith, now to get this started.
00:52Off we go here in New Orleans.
00:55And he'll get this to the 24-yard line.
00:59That's where the opening drive of the game will begin.
01:03Greg, here comes the Panther offense led by Bryce Young.
01:06Big steps in year three for the now fourth-year quarterback out of Alabama, the former number one overall pick.
01:14And after a bit of an up-and-down start to his NFL career, in year three, we saw the
01:20best of Bryce Young.
01:21We saw more glimpses of what we remember seeing in the Heisman Trophy days and the national title days back
01:27at Alabama that led him to ultimately be the number one overall pick.
01:31So now, year four, expectations coming off the playoffs.
01:35Can he continue to build alongside Dave Canales in this young offensive roster?
01:40But, I'll tell you what, for the first time in a long time, Carolina has gone into a season without
01:45questions around the quarterback position.
01:47And a big part of that is just the improvement of Bryce Young.
01:51Ball out to the 35-yard line as they come up the first and check.
01:58They'll go again with Hubbard.
02:00This time the sliding becomes a little more difficult.
02:06The best linebackers at this level, Mike, they have all the physical attributes.
02:11That's a given.
02:12But it's really their instincts.
02:14It's their ability to dissect and predetermine where the ball is going before the ball is even snapped.
02:20And you can see with how fast he met the back at the point of attack, he knew exactly what
02:26play was coming.
02:26And he's going to be marked down short of the 45, short of the first down, and here comes third
02:32down.
02:33And that's a nice grab for his first catch of the game, Mike.
02:36And he's someone that the play caller has told us.
02:39He wants to get him early touches, get him a feel for the game.
02:43Nice job there making that happen.
02:49They try to run for it with Hubbard.
02:51Trying to find somewhere to go for defense.
02:57So there's multiple factors, Mike, that make blitzes successful.
03:01So, of course, there's the initial design.
03:03Can you attack the vulnerabilities of the offense's blocking scheme?
03:07And then in this case, the next phase is the timing.
03:10You can see this linebacker knew exactly when that ball was going to be snapped.
03:14The offensive line had no chance to identify and pick him up, and he's able to bring him down for
03:19a loss.
03:19That one hit inside the 10, but it bounces forward into the end zone, bring it back out to the
03:2620-yard line.
03:27Tyler Schuch brings out this Saints offense.
03:30He was the third quarterback taken in last year's rookie class, number 40 overall out of Louisville.
03:36You know, Mike, I think when we look back on a season ago, you know, one of the stories that
03:41definitely nationally was not probably covered enough just due to the teams and the, you know, the win-loss record.
03:46But Kellen Moore, the first-time NFL head coach down in New Orleans with the Saints, and the play of
03:52the young rookie Tyler Schuch.
03:53I mean, I don't think there was a lot of expectations at all with him coming into the season, but
03:58he played really well.
04:00Now, the Saints have some work to do to be more competitive in the division and continue to improve that
04:05roster and some cap situation.
04:07But I'll tell you what, the young rookie was impressive, and him and Kellen Moore, I think they form a
04:13really good duo for years to come.
04:18They'll motion their tight end, Johnson.
04:22Now a screen set up for HF, and he'll get about three here on second down before he's out of
04:29battle.
04:30Just a little slow developing on that screenplay there.
04:33It was pretty obvious to the entire defense exactly what was going on.
04:37Nobody was thinking pass.
04:39Nobody was getting back into their drops, and just nowhere for that back to go.
04:46On third and two, it is shut.
04:51That's caught left side.
04:52It's complete.
04:54And he's out of bounds.
04:55Up close to the 45-yard line.
04:5816-yard pick up on that one.
05:02First down, New Orleans.
05:04First and 10 at the 44-yard line.
05:15From the gun, it's shut.
05:18That's to the rookie.
05:19First-round pick, Jordan Tyson.
05:22He's close to a first down.
05:24A gain of nine.
05:24Nice pitch and catch on first down.
05:27A gain of nine brings up second and one at the 47-yard line.
05:37Ball on the 47-yard line.
05:39Here's second and a yard.
05:45They'll run with a check, and they'll take this down inside the 35.
05:52Give them 14 on that one.
05:54It's good for a Saints first down.
05:58Second and short.
05:59Normally, this is a great time, Mike, to put the ball in the air
06:02and try to press the ball downfield.
06:04But in this case, they keep it on the ground.
06:06It has a similar effect.
06:07They pick up a good gain and a first down.
06:12On the ground, here is H.
06:14And he'll get maybe a yard.
06:16That's it.
06:18Devin Lloyd, the linebacker, there to stop.
06:21One-yard gain brings up second and nine at the 32-yard line.
06:29From the 32-yard line now, here's second and nine.
06:36A run, and it's a check.
06:39With good blocking leading the way, he's got the first down inside the 25.
06:45It just seems like every time this guy touches the ball, he makes something happen.
06:50And not all of his runs are always going to be positive.
06:53He's kind of one of those guys that's going to get a zero, a one, a two.
06:56But it's the home run threat.
06:58It's the big plays that really tip the scales in your favor.
07:01And when you can generate those big explosive plays on the ground,
07:05man, it makes such a big difference for the offense.
07:08And he'll get about four here as he is taken down.
07:12It's not the big play they were hoping for,
07:15but first down efficiency, staying ahead of the chains,
07:18is what every offense is trying to find.
07:20And it brings up a manageable second down.
07:22It is second and six.
07:30A run here with H.
07:32And he's taken down on what should be the final play of this first quarter.
07:38And he doesn't tackle.
07:40Or after this, you are watching the NFL on EA Sports.
07:45Nothing, nothing is the score.
07:47More from New Orleans after this.
07:52It's the Saints with the football here as quarter two begins.
07:57And they've got it starting third down and two.
08:01And he's got nowhere to go.
08:03That defensive front controlling a lot of scrimmage.
08:06It'll bring up fourth down.
08:08Well, we have an early decision here, Mike.
08:10How aggressive does this coach want to be on this fourth down try?
08:14I think you've got to keep your offense out there.
08:16You have a prime opportunity to take the fight to them,
08:19extend this drive, and hopefully be able to come away with points.
08:23Good snap.
08:24Good hold.
08:26Good kick.
08:28And the Saints will take a three-nothing lead.
08:31And I know they get the three.
08:33But I'll tell you what, Mike.
08:34You look around the league, the fourth down craze that's kind of taken and building a lot of momentum here.
08:39Fourth and one in the red zone.
08:40I'm going for it.
08:41No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
08:43I just think you have to score touchdowns in this league to win over time.
08:48Especially if you can't get it hard with this offensive line, then you've got bigger problems.
08:53On the return, it's Juba Hubbard.
08:56He'll work his way across the 25-yard line.
09:00Offense heading back out for the Panthers, and their coordinator is Brad Idzik.
09:05His guys trail here in the first half, as they're going to focus now on trying to get some points
09:10on this upcoming drive.
09:36They'll run, and for the first time, it's Jonathan Burks.
09:39And a good piece of running there.
09:42He'll get about nine yards, has the 35-yard line.
09:47It's a gain of nine.
09:48Brings up second and a yard.
09:55So, from the 37, here's second down and a yard.
10:03Young hands it to Hubbard.
10:06And not much there.
10:07Good defense held to no game.
10:10Great job here defensively, Mike.
10:13Make them snap the ball again.
10:15Second and one, they're not conceding anything.
10:18Make it third and one, and see if your defense can come up again with a stop for no game.
10:22They'll look to pick this up.
10:24Third and a yard.
10:26The motion man is Sanders.
10:30On third down, here's Hubbard.
10:33And the play is going nowhere.
10:36Might have gotten back to the line.
10:37That is it.
10:38It is going to be fourth down.
10:41That's just a great job defensively, Mike.
10:43Here's a chance they have to get off the field.
10:46They sell out for the run.
10:47They know it's coming.
10:48And they're able to force a fourth down.
10:52Here's Sam Martin now, as he's on to punt for the second straight drive.
11:05And he'll get forward a few yards on the return.
11:09And that's where the offense will take off.
11:12Saints getting set to go back to work.
11:15Doug Nussmeyer, their offensive coordinator.
11:18His guys have a first-half lead here as they try to find some ways to attack this defense.
11:45Chuck looking to throw on first down.
11:48That went out wide to A-check.
11:50And he can't get away.
11:51They rallied in the football defensively.
11:54Bring them down for no game.
11:56So any time you decide to blitz, the hope is that the secondary can hold up long enough
12:01to allow the extra pressure guys to get to the quarterback.
12:05But when you don't get to the quarterback, and he's able to get the ball on time and in rhythm,
12:10there are holes in the back end, and they're able to pick up the first down.
12:15Little quick pass to the receiver heading right.
12:18Oh, great job anticipating the play.
12:21Running it down for no game.
12:24Well, you could tell that the defense had seen that play on game team, and they were ready for it.
12:29They tried to do a little jet sweep, pop pass out of the gun.
12:33Defense was all over it.
12:35Nowhere to go.
12:36No game.
12:36It is third and ten.
12:44Operating out of the gun, this is shot.
12:47That's taken in by A-check.
12:49And he looks to be a bit short of the line.
12:53And that is going to bring up a fourth down.
12:56I think in this field position, Mike, when fourth and short, I think you've got to go for it.
13:01I think there's at least a conversation going on on the sideline about whether you keep your offense on the
13:06field or send out your punt units.
13:08Saints going to send out their new punter here in 2026.
13:11Here comes Ryan Wright.
13:14Good hang time.
13:16The fair catch will be made back at their own 12.
13:19As the Panthers head back out, we take a look at the Saints defensive coordinator, former Chargers headman Brandon Staley.
13:27Brandon spent a season as the Rams defensive coordinator under Sean McVay in 2020.
13:32Then the Chargers hired him as the head coach.
13:34He is now year two, running the defense in New Orleans.
13:52Get this drive started.
13:54On the ground, it's hovered.
13:55What an effort from the defense.
13:57They forced their way in there.
13:59Get the stop and loss of about two yards.
14:02Two minutes remain in a 3-0 first half.
14:06We're back to New Orleans.
14:09After this.
14:15On second down, Young.
14:19And he'll finally just get rid of this one.
14:22It won't take the chance to get the decision.
14:24It's incomplete.
14:25It's making you think about it, Mike.
14:27I mean, this past game, it just has not been very efficient here in the first half.
14:31They've produced more yards on the ground than through the air.
14:35And incompletions like that certainly aren't going to help.
14:43From the gun here on third down, it's Young.
14:46And as receivers blanketed, he'll just throw this one away, and it brings up fourth down.
14:52The offense just couldn't seem to get anything going that drive.
14:55They knew they had a long way to go taking over possession that deep in their own territory.
15:00You want to pick up that first down and see if you can capitalize some momentum.
15:04Instead, the air and throw brings up fourth down, and they're going to have to punt it away.
15:09The punter, Martin, out there as he kicks it away.
15:13Now a fair catch is taken here, just short of the 45-yard line.
15:19Now out comes the New Orleans offense.
15:21They're ready to take over once again.
15:24They'll look to build on their 3-0 lead as this drive starts with a first and 10.
15:52It's going to wind up incomplete, but pressure got to him that time, and it'll set up second down.
15:58But the relationship between the pass rush and the pass coverage is critical.
16:03The better you rush the passer, the more pressure you can take off your coverage, and that's a great example
16:09why.
16:12Olave is the motion man.
16:15Throwing on second down, shut.
16:18He'll throw it left and has his running back.
16:21And it looks like he's going to come up just short for the first down.
16:25Out of bounds, a yard shy of what they needed.
16:28They'll have to pick it up on third down.
16:30There's a lot of ways to get the ball in the hands of your running backs, and it's not always
16:34by just handing it to them.
16:35In this case, it's a simple check down, picks up a good game, brings up third down.
16:42Man in motion, heading left.
16:46On the carry, it's a chance.
16:49A strong running there.
16:52He brings this down inside the 25.
16:5622 yards to pick up there.
16:59First down, New Orleans.
17:01Third down and short.
17:03You decide to hand the ball off.
17:04What you're really telling yourself is, just pick up enough yards to reset these downs.
17:09But in this case, the back had a whole lot more in mind.
17:12He saw the crease, and he hit it, and it led to a big game.
17:17Right back to him on first down.
17:20He'll move it ahead for about three yards.
17:22Devin Lloyd, the linebacker, there to stop.
17:26You know, it's easy to sit up here and say, hey, just keep running the ball.
17:29They've been efficient, just kind of wear down this defense by a thousand different paper cuts.
17:33But the problem is, it's only contingent upon your ability to keep the score down.
17:38So, if you want to continue to run the ball this often,
17:42you're going to have to look for their defense to play really well.
17:45So now the Saints will use the first of their three timeouts
17:48as they'll stop it with just over 40 seconds to go in the first half.
18:07They'll spread the formation here.
18:09Let's see what the call is on third and inches.
18:14To the air, is shot.
18:16He's got his man.
18:17That's a lob it.
18:19And he's going to have the first down.
18:21They can hurt on third, and it sets up a first and goal.
18:26Saints going to use their second timeout.
18:29They'll stop it just a little bit over 30 seconds to go in this first half.
18:48Balls sitting at the seven.
18:50First and goal.
18:58To throw is shot.
19:02And that ball, incomplete.
19:04So as halftime looms, they have to find a way to capitalize on this drive right here
19:10and make sure they end the half with some sort of points.
19:14Now, that incompletion, not ideal, but at the very least, it stops the clock.
19:18Like, catch your breath, get back in the huddle, and this next play,
19:22it's got to be a gotta-have-it best play call.
19:26The air once more.
19:27Shot.
19:28That one's incomplete.
19:30Good coverage there.
19:32Made it uncomfortable for the receiver.
19:34Couldn't hang with it.
19:35And it brings up third down.
19:37All right, so the ball falls incomplete, but I think what it does now, Mike,
19:41is it allows you to stop the clock, get in the huddle, take a deep breath,
19:45and now your play caller has to give you the best play.
19:48Go get points here before the half and try to build something going into halftime.
19:53Chuck going to throw it on third and goal.
19:58He is hit before he can get rid of it, and down he goes.
20:13And with just four seconds left for the first half, a timeout is called.
20:36On now, Charlie Smith to drive the Saints' field goal.
20:40It'll be a 35-yard attempt.
20:44He is two for two.
20:46That kick is good.
20:48And the Saints, on the strength of two field goals, take a 6-0 lead.
20:54What a methodical drive to close this half out.
20:58I mean, let's not forget, Mike, they get the ball after the break as well.
21:01So they get back-to-back.
21:03They call it doubling up possessions.
21:05Last one in the first half, first one in the second half.
21:08It's a great opportunity to put some distance between you and the opponent.
21:11Just one second remaining in this first half, and they will kick it away.
21:16And he will sit on it here in the end zone for a touchdown.
21:34From the 35, it's first and 10.
21:41Here's Young to throw.
21:45He'll let this one go deep down the right sideline.
21:48That's going to be incomplete.
21:51They took a shot on the final play.
21:54Prayer not answered.
21:56And that is how this first half will come to an end.
22:01All right, Mike, thanks very much.
22:04Scott Hanson, good to be with you from the Orlando EA Sports Studios
22:07with an abridged halftime report.
22:09This one shaping up to be a tight one, as evidenced by the scoreboard.
22:13Both these teams playing it close to the best in the first half.
22:16What will happen in the second half?
22:18Let's find out as we send it back to the stadium
22:20and our commentary team, Mike Tirico and Greg Olson.
22:31All right, Scott, thank you very much.
22:33We'll see if adjustments at halftime change the course of this one.
22:38Likely to play a big role in who's going to walk away with a W.
22:53First half played out a bit as we expected.
22:56We'll see if there's a surprise coming up.
22:58Both teams set to go in the second half is underway.
23:02And he'll be brought down just beyond the 25-yard block.
23:07Saints return to the field for their next offensive possession.
23:11Travis Etienne, part of that unit.
23:14They work with a six-point advantage as they start this drive on first and ten.
23:35Looking to throw.
23:36Here is Shuck.
23:38This one batted away.
23:40Good coverage there.
23:41It's incomplete.
23:43And at this stage of the game, it's both teams that are really seeing who can make the big play
23:48to swing the game in their favor.
23:50And this time, it's the defense.
23:52He's able to get his hands on it.
23:54Mike, I think they're lucky he wasn't able to get both hands on it
23:57because it could have been even a bigger play.
24:03On second down, they run the counter.
24:06And he'll get about five past the 30-yard line.
24:10Shaw Smith laid on the tackle.
24:13It's a gain of five.
24:15Brings up third and five.
24:21Third down, they need five.
24:27Olave is the motion man.
24:32It's third down, and here is Shuck.
24:34Looking middle there, but it's incomplete.
24:38So the hope is your one-third down conversion from really jump-starting a possession
24:42that ultimately leads in points.
24:44But after that third down incompletion, kind of throws a wrench into those plants.
24:50The Saints lining up in punt formation.
24:53As he's on to punt for the second time.
25:05The Panthers' offense in their back, Chuba Hubbard, set to come back on the field.
25:09And he's had trouble getting on track in this one.
25:13Really limited space to find an opening.
25:16The defensive front stopping him multiple times.
25:19Generally, he has not been a big factor in this game to this point.
25:31So first and ten now.
25:33They'll start from the 22.
25:40This drive begins with a run by Hubbard.
25:43And he'll get about six there.
25:45Setting up second down.
25:47Werner on the tackle.
25:49A six-yard pickup brings up second and four at the 28-yard line.
26:07Young, quickly out till he gets.
26:10And he will not get away.
26:12Terrific open field tackle.
26:14Gets him down behind the line.
26:17It almost seemed like the defender was getting the play call sent into his helmet.
26:21Just like the quarterback.
26:23Because he knew the play before they even snapped the ball.
26:26And that play had no shot.
26:33They'll run it here with Hubbard.
26:36Ooh!
26:3817 yards.
26:39Starts the game there.
26:40It's good for a Panther first down.
26:44Typically, in a third down situation like this, Mike, you're thinking pass.
26:47Give credit to this offensive play caller.
26:49He flips his tendencies upside down.
26:52Keeps the ball on the ground.
26:54Not only does he get a fresh set of downs, they pick up good yardage.
27:03They'll have it first and ten.
27:09The motion man is Sanders.
27:13On first down, it's right back to Hubbard.
27:16And this time, they are ready for it.
27:19Roe for a loss.
27:21And it's second down.
27:23Yeah, and this play, Mike, is really just the epitome of what we've seen this entire game.
27:27They have not been able to get anything going offensively.
27:30It almost seems like they've been operating going in reverse the entire day.
27:34In this case, another run, another loss.
27:41Throwing on second down.
27:43Young over the middle.
27:45He's got Ligette.
27:46And he'll be taken down.
27:47But they are in business inside the 30-yard line.
27:52That one's good for 29.
27:55Finally seems that this offense has found their rhythm after what's been a really slow first two quarters.
28:00They're hopeful that this series can be the spark.
28:03They continue to be efficient in the passing game and go finish this drive.
28:09In some rhythm.
28:10He drives Roe.
28:11Here's another first and ten.
28:18From the pistol.
28:19A give to Humber.
28:20He'll push forward for about a yard.
28:23It's Carl Branderson this time to make the tag.
28:26And they've really done a nice job defensively holding them in check.
28:30I mean, ideally, you'd want your back to average around four yards a pop.
28:34But they're falling short of that threshold as of now.
28:38And partially it's why they find themselves trailing at this stage in the game.
28:45Now they'll pitch it out here.
28:47And no place to go.
28:49He's hit and taken down behind the line.
28:52So much of what makes a toss play so good is it allows you to get the ball on the
28:57perimeter of the defense really quickly.
28:59And it doesn't stress all of your backside blocking.
29:02But on the downside, it does get your running back running east and west.
29:07They're running sideways for the first couple steps.
29:09And with a defense that can run to the ball, they're able to get you down for a loss.
29:15And Young will have a first down able to slide to avoid the contact at the end of the play.
29:20A gain of 14.
29:21Anytime a quarterback decides to tuck it and turn himself into a runner, you can just feel the sideline hold
29:27their breath.
29:27They're just hoping that he gets down, picks up enough for the first down.
29:31But more importantly, protects himself so he can get himself back up and continue on.
29:39On play action.
29:40Young.
29:41That one complete.
29:43Till he gets.
29:43After the catch, he gets that forward for a gain of nine.
29:48I really like the balance that they've showed so far on this drive, Mike.
29:52And what that does is it makes the defense have to defend the entire field.
29:57The run game and the pass game.
29:59Everything looks the same.
30:00There's no tells.
30:02So they can't afford to just dial up certain schemes to take away a run or a pass.
30:07They've got to defend the entire playbook.
30:09And so far, they've done a great job on this drive doing just that.
30:13And with that run, it puts them on the doorstep of the end zone.
30:17This has been a really impressive series up until this point, Mike.
30:20I mean, so much that anything less than a touchdown kind of feels like a letdown.
30:28We get in motion.
30:31Off the play pick.
30:33Here's Young.
30:34And that is incomplete.
30:36They couldn't hook up there.
30:38As time has expired, the third quarter has come to an end.
31:11Here's another shot.
31:12From the sixth, it's second and goal.
31:17Tremble comes in motion.
31:22Here's Hubbard.
31:23He gets it to start the fourth.
31:25Stock at the sixth.
31:27And that sets up third and goal.
31:30So I think as you look back over the course of this game,
31:33it's really been the inability of this offense, Mike,
31:35to create any sort of balanced attack to get anything going.
31:40And whether you look at the rushing yards,
31:42whether you look at just the points scored,
31:44this offense has to find a way going forward
31:46to generate more big plays and more balance,
31:50both run and pass.
31:51Hit as he throws.
31:52That one will fall to the turf.
31:54And it's incomplete.
31:56The pressure, too much to get away from that time.
31:59Good third down stop.
32:01And it sets up fourth down.
32:24We get in motion.
32:28Now or never, they'll throw on fourth down.
32:31That's going to be caught.
32:34The game-tying touchdown here in the fourth quarter
32:37and a chance to take the lead with the point after.
32:40Mike, the sideline's going crazy with that late score.
32:44But they still need this extra point to take the lead here
32:47and see if they can hang on to this fourth quarter lead.
33:09Brian Fitzgerald now to add the extra point.
33:16The kick is good.
33:19Important one as they take the lead here in the fourth quarter.
33:51So now,
33:53they'll play with the lead after that fourth quarter touchdown.
33:56Time to kick it back the other way.
33:59He'll come across to 20 and kick him down at the 21-yard line.
34:05The Saints' offense ready to take over once more.
34:08They'll begin with first and ten.
34:10The Saints' offense ready to take over once more.
34:15The Saints' offense ready to take over once more.
34:39on the ground for the first time this is alvin kamara they had that play dialed up defensively
34:46stopped him in the backbeat loss of the yard i can promise you that is not how they wanted
34:51to start this drive bike i mean to get blown up at the point of attack there was just nowhere
34:57for the back to go on that run lost one on the last play so now it's second and 11
35:03throwing is shot
35:07going right sideline and complete and he out of bounds up beyond the 40 yard line
35:14a game there of 23 yards it's good for a safe first down as this game continues to come down
35:23to the
35:23wire mike it just reminds us this is where quarterbacks earn their keep you are judged by
35:28how you play in these critical moments in fourth quarter down a score it doesn't get much bigger
35:34than this on first down they'll run it on the draw and somehow he's going to get a yard out
35:42of this
35:43he's caught through that first contact and bring up second down nice job by the running back making
35:48the first guy miss but it's the pursuit by the entire defense even though he doesn't get him down
35:54on his first try the rest of his guys are all rallying to the ball and they bring him down
35:59for
35:59short game chuck to throw on second down that's to his tight end jawan johnson and it looks like he's
36:08going to come up just short of the first down out of bounds brings a yard shy of what they
36:12needed
36:12about to pick it up on third down and this is where the versatility of the tight end position
36:19really starts coming into play not only do they have to line up with their hand on the ground
36:23but they can occasionally split out in the slot and man they're too fast for linebackers and a lot
36:29of times they're too big for defensive backs they get 15 on that game first down new orleans
36:38the advantage to this play call mike is as an offense you now can account for one extra defensive
36:44player in this case it's the quarterback reading the end he goes after the running back he pulls it
36:51keeps it himself picks up the first down so they come to the line for first down and 10
37:02handoff here up the middle and nothing materializes they're just fortunate to get back to the line of
37:08scrimmage what makes great linebackers stand out from the path is their instincts and their vision
37:14in this case the linebacker has his keys brings them right where the ball is going and he's able to
37:19make a play at the point of attack and keep this to a no game
37:27from the pistol here's a check and some good block with the point of attack a pickup of seven and
37:34it
37:34brings up third down and as of right now they find themselves trailing at the moment but it's
37:40certainly not because of the ground game i mean he's averaging over four yards per carry
37:45just hasn't been enough to overcome some of their shortcomings elsewhere
37:53olave is the motion man from the gun it's shut
38:00he'll look middle and he's got his man complete two receptions for him on this drive this one good
38:07for 16 yards and this is a tricky part of the game for any defense you find yourself protecting a
38:14late
38:14lead and the age-old question is do you remain aggressive do you try to just keep the ball from
38:20being thrown over your head and make everything be tackled and played in front of you that's what
38:25every defensive coordinator struggles with so they can't get too soft here as they try to hold
38:30on to this lead here late well run with a check and he's into the end zone put down six
38:43what a game this has been back and forth we go and that fourth quarter score changes the lead one
38:50more
38:50time and we've seen the lead go back and forth mike and now the question is can they get a
38:55stop can
38:56they find a way defensively to hang on to this lead and get themselves this big win
39:16significant moment here for the saints as they will try the two-point conversion
39:22the saints will line up for the two-point conversion they'll try to run it in with 8-10
39:27and this time they stop him short of the goal lock touchdown a moment ago no two-point conversion
39:35to add on as they come up empty
39:47first time b4
39:521
39:57b8
40:03b8
40:09so now playing with the lead after that fourth quarter touchdown
40:13time to kick it back the other way
40:17he'll get this up to the 28-yard line nice place for the drive to start
40:23so just under two minutes here in this one we'll come back and finish this one off after this
40:42they'll go up for first and ten
40:47they'll drop the throw
40:51and this is too far out in front that one's incomplete this is one of those situations
40:57that plays directly into the hands of the defense because they know this offense has to be one
41:03dimension this has to be a pass so what do they do they bring in extra defensive backs
41:08they clog up the back end and at the end of the day there's just nowhere for the offense to
41:13go with
41:14that one out of the reach of the receivers outstretched arms it is incomplete the pass intended
41:22for xavier legette third down coming up the game is there for the taking they control their own
41:29destiny but this brings up a really big third down here but remember they don't have to force it
41:34and push the ball past the sticks even if they come up short they still have fourth down in their
41:40back pocket to try to extend this drive and see if they can pull out the win here late
41:44that is incomplete here we go there that's what could be their final play it's fourth down
41:52they desperately needed that one mike down here late they've only got a few remaining snaps to go and
41:59it puts all of the pressure of the game now on fourth down let's see what play call they have
42:05got a situation and right now this quarterback needs to make his best throw in the biggest moment
42:11of the game so you roll the dice on offense and you fail but now you can't give up your
42:17defense has
42:18to go out there and get a stop you have all three timeouts you have time to get the ball
42:23back one more
42:24time on offense so now your defense needs to answer the bell and give your offense one more shot
42:29the saints offense ready to get back to work and this game not quite in hand yet still all three
42:37timeouts left for the defense so they can't just kneel this one out but one first down will essentially
42:43end the game
42:56a run and it's a game and he will have the first down even with three timeouts on the other
43:05side
43:05they're going to be able to run this baby all the way down this is the moment in the game
43:11mike
43:11where it really matters to have a run game you find yourself winning here late you want to try
43:16to run the clock out and finish with the ball and boy do they ever give credit to this offensive
43:21line
43:22and running back they came through and their team needed them the most they're at the 17-yard line
43:27and now for first and ten now shot
43:35tried to stand in there but he's hit as he throws and it's incomplete really nice coverage there
43:42defensively and here you find yourself in a one score game like he understands the value of protecting the
43:48ball really smart decision throw it away snap it again see what they have for second and ten
44:00it'll be a run out of the gun with camara now a timeout for carolina that's going to be their
44:06second and talk things over before third down it's a gain of four brings up third and six
44:12second and six
44:26so
44:49And that's exactly how you stress all week finishing a game.
44:54Get the ball and leave no doubt with that late touchdown, Mike.
44:59That should all just seal this victory away.
45:01That should all just seal this victory away.
45:30He's got it.
45:31The Saints will open it up even further here in this fourth quarter.
45:35The Saints, 19 and 37.
45:38The Saints will open it up even further here in this fourth quarter.
46:07And we're back to it as the kick's away.
46:11On the return is 8-10.
46:13He'll get this up past the 20.
46:15That's where they'll set up shots.
46:18The Panthers offense ready to get back at it.
46:21And time and time again, Greg, the yards on the ground have been very difficult to come by.
46:26Yeah, and it really goes against conventional wisdom, Mike.
46:29You hear so often everyone talk about you run the ball to open up the pass.
46:33And really that's not necessarily true.
46:35Oftentimes when you're having trouble on the ground, the best way to open things up underneath
46:40is by passing the ball.
46:42And that could be a variety of ways.
46:43Throwing it downfield, screen passes, swing passes.
46:46Just get the ball into the hands of your playmakers and open things up.
46:51McMillen, the man in motion.
46:54On first down is Young.
46:58Field throw complete to Chuba Hubbard.
47:01And he's got it to the 35-yard line.
47:04A gain of 14.
47:06Good for a quick first down.
47:09It's been tough sledding for this offense all day today, Mike.
47:13But especially here in the second half.
47:14So they are just in desperate need of a spark.
47:17But just something to get their offense into a little bit of a rhythm
47:20if they want to have any chance to find themselves back into this game here in Lee.
47:25So this is where it gets really challenging as an offense.
47:27You find yourself trailing late in the game.
47:30The defense can play you one-dimensional.
47:32They know it's a pass-first situation.
47:34So extra defensive backs, the zones, and the coverage are a little bit tighter and cloudier.
47:40And he's having a hard time finding any open windows downfield.
47:44A second down throw for Young.
47:48He'll get this to his tight end, Jatavion Sanders.
47:52And he's out of bounds, up beyond the 45-yard line.
47:5712 yards on that hookup.
48:00It's a Carolina first down.
48:12From the gun, it's Young.
48:15That one's hauled in left side by McMillan.
48:19And he's close to another first down as he's brought down just shy of the marker.
48:23It brings up second and two at the Saints' 45-yard line.
48:32They come up for second and two.
48:38Out of a shotgun.
48:39Young.
48:41They'll go right back to McMillan.
48:43Complete.
48:44And they'll take this down inside.
48:4735.
48:48The Panthers.
48:49They're going to burn their third and final timeout.
48:52He'll stop the clock with 12 seconds to go in the football game.
49:05Here's first down.
49:12Throwing is Young.
49:15Oh, the one thing you can't have there.
49:18He is sad.
49:19And the clock runs.
49:21It's Devon Kachow.
49:23In there to drop in that time.
49:25It's a loss of seven.
49:28So this one, a win for the Saints.
49:31They use a little home cooking here.
49:33They play a complete football game.
49:36And they send their fans home quite happy.
49:41And that'll do it for my partner, Greg Olson, for our entire team.
49:46I'm Mike Tirico.
49:47This has been a presentation of the NFL on EA Sports.
49:52The Saints are winners as we say, so long from New Orleans.