10 quick thoughts from the Panthers win at Saints in Week 18
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers cannot bring back Michael Jordan
Brady Christensen’s unfortunate injury meant Michael Jordan got a rare chance to impress in the starting lineup. Unfortunately for the veteran guard, he was unable to make the most of it.
Jordan struggled to generate any push and was found wanting in pass protection on numerous occasions. He did fall on a Sam Darnold fumble for a touchdown, but the decision to part ways should be an easy one.
Josh Norman’s swansong was a mixed bag
The Carolina Panthers gave cornerback Josh Norman the chance for one last hurrah from a starting berth in Week 18. And it was a mixed bag overall from the one-time All-Pro.
Norman got burned for an early Chris Olave touchdown and looked off the pace at times, which isn’t unexpected considering he’s played almost no meaningful football before Carolina’s season finale. He did make some nice tackles, but this will probably be the last we see of the former fifth-round pick out of Coastal Carolina.
A lethargic first half from the Carolina Panthers
There wasn’t anything at stake for either team and it showed during the first half. However, the Panthers were particularly lethargic and couldn’t generate any momentum whatsoever as the New Orleans Saints controlled proceedings throughout.
Until C.J. Henderson forced a fumble with the half’s penultimate play, there was almost nothing to cheer about. And no doubt the players received an earful from interim head coach Steve Wilks at the interval.