Quick Take: Saints/Panthers

In Brief

» Last meeting: The Saints overcame an 11-point halftime deficit to knock off the Panthers, 30-20, in Week 9.
» Streaks: The Panthers have won six of eight against the Saints, and own a 16-13 overall series edge.
» Last week: Carolina went into New York and closed out Giants Stadium with a 41-9 drubbing of the Giants. ... New Orleans dropped its second consecutive game by losing, 20-17, to Tampa Bay in overtime.

Keep your eye on ...New Orleans' frame of mind: The Saints were riding high through the season's first 13 games. They were unbeaten and hailed as surefire Super Bowl favorites. Two losses later and the Saints are suddenly reeling heading into their regular-season finale. A win would allow New Orleans to regain its mojo heading into a bye week.

The Saints' special teams: In each of New Orleans' two losses, poor special teams play cost the Saints dearly. They surrendered a long punt return that set up Dallas' second touchdown two weeks ago, and gave up a fourth-quarter punt return touchdown last week to Tampa Bay that tied the game. Those type of lapses in the kicking game could come back to haunt New Orleans if they aren't corrected.

Matt Moore's audition for next year: Since Moore became the Panthers' starting quarterback in Week 13, Carolina has played its best football of the season. The Panthers are 3-1 with Moore under center, and the third-year signal-caller has thrown seven touchdowns, with just one interception. Another outstanding performance against New Orleans would help Moore's case to compete for the starting job next season, if not earn the position outright.

Did you know?

The Saints have averaged only 17 points the last two weeks, after averaging 36 points over the first 13 games. ... New Orleans has not swept Carolina since 2001. ... Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart had 10 rushing TDs as a rookie last season, and needs one more TD on the ground to reach that mark this season. ... Carolina's Matt Moore has just one less touchdown in four starts (seven) than Jake Delhomme did in 11 starts (eight).