Oct
07Saints fall to 0-4
John Kasay’s 52-yard field goal on the last play of the game sent the Saints to a bitter 16-13 loss, their fourth in as many games this season.
Kasay’s field goal capped a disasterous final 10 minutes of the game for the Saints, who seemingly were on the verge of putting the game away early in the fourth quarter. Julius Pepper’s block of a 20-yard field goal attempt by Olindo Mare started the series of miscues. The block killed a 23-play drive and kept Carolina within one score at 13-7. The Panthers then drove 85 yards for the game-tying score, a 17-yard TD catch by Steve Smith.
The Saints were their own worst enemies on the ensuing drive, when Devery Henderson dropped a potential game-deciding catch in Carolina territory. Worse, the deflection off Henderson’s hands bounced into Chris Harris’ hands for an interception.
Saints cornerback Mike McKenzie bailed out Henderson on the next drive with an interception of his own, returning it to the Carolina 37. Three plays later, Mare missed a 54-yard field goal wide to the left.
Given new life again, Carolina promptly drove 21 yards for Kasay’s game-winner.
Posted by Jeff Duncan, The Times-Picayune October 07, 2007 4:05PM
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Mare has to go. I do not understand why the coach did not punt the ball and let the defense do its job? Especially when Mare missed a chip shot, no way he was going to make a kick over 50 yards injured. ( I doubt he could have made it even if he was healthy)
Sometimes the grass is NOT greener on the other side. Picking up a new kicker was a major mistake. Cost us at least 2 games so far this season.