NEW ORLEANS (WTVD) — Charlie Smyth kicked a 47-yard field goal in the final seconds of regulation, lifting the New Orleans Saints to a 20-17 comeback victory over the playoff-hopeful Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The winning kick by the former Gaelic football player from Northern Ireland prevented Carolina (7-7) from seizing sole possession of first place in the NFC South.
The victory also capped another encouraging performance by rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, who notched his third win in six starts for New Orleans (4-10). The Saints were 1-7 when the 40th overall draft choice took over in Week 9 for season-opening starter Spencer Rattler.
Shough completed 24 of 32 passes for 272 yards, including a 12-yard, tying touchdown pass to Chris Olave with 2:29 left in regulation. He also rushed for a team-high 32 yards and, importantly, did not turn the ball over.
Shough’s final carry set up the winning kick when he slid feet first at the Carolina 44-yard line and took a big hit to his head area from Lathan Ransom. The hit drew an unnecessary roughness penalty, moving the ball to the Panthers’ 29-yard line with just 9 seconds remaining.
For Carolina, Bryce Young passed for 163 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown. The Panthers, who are seeking their first playoff berth since 2017, could have clinched a division title with a win in New Orleans and a victory over Tampa Bay in Week 16.
Young’s pinpoint scoring pass to Jalen Coker in tight coverage along the right sideline gave Carolina a 17-7 lead early in the third quarter. After Charlie Smyth’s 42-yard field goal pulled New Orleans to 17-10, the Panthers drove to the Saints’ 35-yard line early in the fourth quarter. However, their momentum stalled when defensive tackle Bryan Bresee stuffed Chuba Hubbard’s fourth-and-1 run with 10:56 left.
Later, Smyth kicked a 46-yard field goal that could have brought the Saints within 17-13 with 7:02 remaining. But New Orleans accepted an offside penalty against Carolina, taking the points off the board. On the next play, the Saints faced a fourth-and-1 and were stopped short. Fortunately for New Orleans, the gamble was less costly after they forced a quick Carolina punt.
Shough then completed six passes during a 78-yard drive in just 2:08, tying the game and extending the thrilling finish.
Carolina took an early 7-0 lead on Rico Dowdle’s powerful 4-yard run. New Orleans responded with Devin Neal’s tying 4-yard touchdown run, capping an unusual 17-play, 95-yard drive that consumed 11:22. The drive featured critical first-down gains on third-and-13 and fourth-and-1 situations.
Fitzgerald’s 40-yard field goal put Carolina back in front 10-7 at halftime.
Up next, the Panthers will host struggling Tampa Bay on Sunday in a crucial matchup for control of the NFC South division.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
https://abc11.com/post/carolina-panthers-cant-hold-late-lead-fall-saints-20-17-last-second-field-goal/18287275/
