CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Drew Brees found Pierre Thomas wide open on the right side for a 6-yard touchdown with 50 seconds left, helping the New Orleans Saints rally past the Carolina Panthers 30-27 on Sunday.
Brees threw for 359 yards and two touchdowns, including a nearly flawless final drive in which he completed 8 of 9 passes for 80 yards to take back momentum after Cam Newton and the Panthers (1-4) had taken their first lead early in the fourth quarter.
New Orleans is 4-1.
The Saints’ defense finally sealed the win, letting the Panthers reach only midfield before Newton’s desperation heave downfield fell incomplete for the game’s the final play.
Newton threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead 5-yard scoring pass to Greg Olsen for a 27-23 lead with 12:32 to play. He also scored on a sneak late in the third quarter.
