The Panthers finished their season with a four-game winning streak after a season-ending 44-38 win over the New Orleans Saints. The Panthers finished a game better than last season at 7-9 and swept their division rivals.
Offense: B+
RB DeAngelo Williams broke Jonathan Stewart’s team single-game record with 210 rushing yards. He and Mike Tolbert combined for five rushing touchdowns. QB Cam Newton threw a pick-6 to LB Jonathan Vilma in the first half, but he had 248 passing yards and played through injuries to his ankle and ribs. Previous game's grade: B-
Defense: B-
DE Charles Johnson had two sacks and S Charles Godfrey had an interception, but Drew Brees passed for 396 yards and four touchdowns against the Carolina secondary. Saints TE Jimmy Graham had nine catches for 115 yards and a score, WR Lance Moore had 121 yards and RB Darren Sproles had a 33-yard touchdown catch late in the fourth quarter that cut the Panthers’ lead to six. Previous game's grade: A
Special teams: A-
K Graham Gano had three field goals and P Brad Nortman had a 54-yard punt as the special teams had the best all-around game of the season. Armanti Edwards had a 69-yard punt return, and the Panthers recovered an onside kick. Previous game's grade: C-
Coaching: A-
Carolina came back from a double-digit deficit for the first time in Ron Rivera’s two years coaching the team. The Panthers rallied in the game and in the second half of the season in an effort to earn Rivera another year. The jury is still out on his job status, however. Previous game's grade: B+
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Carolina Panthers from blogger Shawn Krest, follow @CBSPanthers.
