In many ways, the Panthers did a lot of the things they needed to Sunday, things that didn’t happen when they lost to the Saints at Bank of America Stadium in Week 10 (the week after the win at Green Bay).
They ran sufficiently well (31 times for 127 yards), and Bryce Young hit a number of shots downfield, including a 32-yard touchdown to Jalen Coker, a 34-yarder to Xavier Legette, and a 21-yarder to Tetairoa McMillan.
But there wasn’t the kind of cohesiveness to the plan, and the Saints made the plays late to leave the Panthers heading home with a loss — even if it was a tie.
“They played well. They did everything we always give credit to our opponents,” Young said. “But for us, we’re a team that prides ourselves on finish. Didn’t get that done today. It’s not going to feel good for 24 hours, and you go back and grow from it, and then turn the page.
“Just want to go 1-0. That’s always the mindset. And again, we’ll watch the film, you know, we’ll live it for these 24 hours. After that, just turn the page. That’s all, all that matters.”
That doesn’t make it any easier Sunday night.
But that’s the situation they’re in, knowing they’re heading home with every goal still in front of them.