The Carolina Panthers claimed a narrow 20-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday to seize control of the NFC South race.
The win moved Carolina to 4-5 on the season as the team looks toward a Week 11 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, according to Yahoo Sports.
The game concluded with a dramatic 54-yard field goal by Ryan Fitzgerald as time expired.
The opportunity for the winning kick arose after a pass interference penalty was called against Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, reported Yahoo Sports.
The Saints had previously tied the game with 41 seconds remaining on a field goal by Charlie Smyth.
Discipline proved to be a significant factor throughout the contest.
The Panthers committed 17 penalties during the game, while the Saints struggled with two turnovers in the first half.
Running back Chuba Hubbard served as the focal point of the Carolina offense throughout the afternoon.
Hubbard recorded 27 carries for 92 yards and two touchdowns, while adding five receptions for 80 yards.
His performance accounted for 172 of the team’s 283 total yards, highlighting the importance of the running game to the Panthers’ success, noted the Yahoo Sports report.
The New Orleans offense faced difficulties establishing a rhythm on the ground.
Running backs Travis Etienne, Audric Estime, and Alvin Kamara combined for only 24 yards on 17 carries.
The Saints eventually shifted toward a passing attack, where rookie Jordyn Tyson secured 11 catches.
Despite the late surge, the team could not overcome the defensive efforts of the Panthers.
New Orleans is scheduled to play the Chicago Bears next Sunday.
The Saints will need a victory in that contest to remain in contention for the division lead as the season enters the final stretch, the outlets reported.
Carolina currently holds the top spot in a division that has faced criticism for its overall performance levels in recent years.