Someone has to win the NFC South. It's in the rules.
One big road win from the New Orleans Saints, who were on a seven-game road regular season losing streak, might be enough to bend the balance of power in the NFC South their way.
New Orleans had a methodical 28-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. They frustrated a shorthanded and talent-poor Panthers offense, and an 80-yard fourth-quarter drive that chewed up 7:27 and finished with Mark Ingram's second rushing touchdown sealed the victory.
The win improves the Saints' record to 4-4, which isn't impressive anywhere but the NFC South. They're in first place, ahead of the 3-5-1 Panthers. The moribund Falcons and Buccaneers aren't even worth mentioning as contenders anymore. Considering how dominant the Saints are at home – they were 3-0 at home this season and 0-4 on the road before Thursday night – it'll be a tough battle for the Panthers to defend as NFC South champions. There has never been a repeat champion in the NFC South.
The Saints were very good on defense. The Panthers are really beat up on the offensive line and it showed. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton wasn't at his best either. He was off on many passes, and has been erratic for three games in a row.
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The Saints had a tough start to the season, but they're looking like they're figuring some things out. The defense played maybe its best game of the season. Ingram, who missed some time with an injury, is making a huge difference for the offense. The former Heisman Trophy winner and 2011 first-round pick has become a legitimate workhorse after three disappointing NFL seasons. He rushed 30 times for 100 yards against Carolina, and was the Saints' preferred option in the red zone. He'll be a free agent after this season.
The Saints cashed in on a Newton fumble deep in Panthers territory for their first touchdown, and took a 14-0 lead into halftime on Jimmy Graham's 1-yard touchdown with three seconds left in the first half. The Panthers tried to rally in the second half, but were held to a field goal on a promising drive early in the fourth quarter. With the lead cut to 21-10, the Saints' long drive and Ingram's second score iced the game.
The Saints haven't won the division just because they climbed back to .500. But nobody else in the division is playing well. If the Saints can play like this on the road a few more times, they'll guarantee themselves one home playoff game in January.
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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdowncorner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @YahooSchwab
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