NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS
MONDAY, DEC. 17, 2018 ● BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM
SAINTS POSTGAME NOTES
•The New Orleans Saints defeated the Panthers 12-9, improving their record to 12-2 through the first 14 games, the only better start for the club was their 13-1 start in 2009.
•New Orleans' 12-2 record gives the team its fifth season in franchise history with at least 12 wins, with three having taken place under Coach Sean Payton, and the other two under Jim Mora.
•With the win, the head coach-starting quarterback duo of Sean Payton and Drew Brees notched their 117th victory, surpassing Don Shula and Dan Marino for sole possession of second place all-time among head coach-starting QB duos.
• The Saints have not given up over 17 points in six consecutive contests, the longest since an eight-game stretch spanning the 1991 and 1992 seasons.
•The Saints improve to 7-1 on the road, tying them with the 2000 and 2009 teams for the best road records in franchise history.
•The Saints currently have a streak of 270 regular season games without having been shut out, dating to a 26-20 win at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 6, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium, the longest running streak in the NFL and the fifth-longest all-time.
•Payton recorded his 124th career win (regular season and postseason combined), moving into a tie for 34th all-time among head coaches with George Seifert.
•New Orleans tallied 4.0 sacks in the contest leading to -32 yards for Carolina.
•The Saints marched 84 yards on 11 plays to score their only touchdown, giving them a 12-9 advantage with 12:18 remaining in the fourth quarter.
•QB Drew Brees completed 23 of 35 passes for 203 yards. Brees played in his 263rd career game, moving him into a tie for 28th all-time in NFL record books with former NFL offensive lineman Lomas Brown, and kickers Jan Stenerud and Jason Elam.
•RB Alvin Kamaracarried the ball 14 times for 67 yards and one touchdown. He also added 36 receiving yards on seven catches. Kamara moves into a tie with TE Jimmy Graham (2013) and Deuce McAllister (2002) for second all-time with 16 total touchdowns this season. Kamara has 12 rushing touchdowns.
•RB Mark Ingram recorded 63 rushing yards on 12 carries. Ingram played in his 104th career game. Ingram becomes only the fifth Saint with 7,500 total yards from scrimmage joining Marques Colston, Eric Martin, Deuce McAllister and Joe Horn.
•WR Michael Thomashauled in seven passes for 49 yards. Thomas surpassed his career-high of 104 grabs set last season, while setting a club record (109) and becoming the only player in league history to have 300 grabs in his first three seasons.
• WR Keith Kirkwoodhauled in two passes for 40 yards, including a crucial third-and-14 conversion with 7:21 remaining in the fourth quarter.
•TE Benjamin Watsonrecorded one catch for 28 yards.
•DE Cameron Jordan tallied four tackles (three solo) while starting play in his 126th consecutive game. Jordan has 12 sacks in 2018, tied for fourth in club record books with DE Will Smith (2004-12).
•LB Demario Davisled the team with eight tackles (four solo), including 1.0 sack for a loss of 10 yards. Davis also recorded two passes defensed.
•DE Alex Okafornotched four tackles (two solo), including 1.0 sack.
•DE Sheldon Rankins tallied four tackles (two solo).
•DT David Onyematarecorded two solo tackles and 1.0 sack.
•CB Eli Apple notched three tackles (two solo) and came up with a crucial interception in the Carolina end zone with 18 seconds remaining in the first half.
•CB Marshon Lattimorerecorded two tackles (one solo).
•DB Justin Hardeerecorded his 10th special teams tackle on the season, surpassing his 2017 rookie season total and leading the team.
•S Vonn Bell notched seven tackles (four solo), including 1.0 sack. Bell forced a fumble leading to a Carolina turnover with 3:35 remaining in the third quarter.
•K Wil Lutzconnected on two field goals from 46 and 24 yards respectively. Lutz has made 25 consecutive field goals, tying Morten Andersen (11/1/92-9/12/93) for the longest streak in franchise history.
•P Thomas Morstead punted four times for 168 total yards (42.0 avg.) with a long of 46 yards.
