Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales called the rule concerning hitting a sliding quarterback a "difficult challenge" for defensive players, after an unnecessary roughness penalty on Lathan Ransom set up the New Orleans Saints' game-winning field goal in Sunday's 20-17 loss.

Carolina Panthers safety Lathon Ransom took accountability for his disastrous penalty late against the Saints.

The Panthers' zone defense was shredded by Chris Olave and Tyler Shough when it mattered. There were open receivers all day, but in literally no time at all, the Saints had gone down and tied it with Olave getting four catches for 63 yards and a touchdown on the drive.

Charlie Smyth kicked a 47-yard field goal late in regulation, lifting the Saints to a 20-17 comeback victory over the playoff-hopeful Carolina Panthers

UPDATED, 6:31 p.m.: Final score: Saints 20, Panthers 17. Tyler Shough’s first home victory is a famous one. The Saints are 4-10, but the vibes are good in this building for the first time in a long time. Join us for the postgame show in about 30 minutes at this link.

The 7-7 Carolina Panthers, with today’s loss to the New Orleans Saints, are tied again with the 7-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Technically, they are second in the NFC South. They have multiple paths to the NFC South title from here and are still, very barely, in control of their own destiny.

How did the Saints upset the Panthers in Week 15's final seconds? By leaning on a young quarterback who continues to deliver when it matters most.