Published: Sunday, Nov. 08, 2009 / Updated: Sunday, Nov. 08, 2009 08:15 AM

Panthers-Saints series timeline

The Panthers have won seven straight on the road against New Orleans, though it has been far from easy and normal. A look at the Panthers' run of success down on the bayou:

Dec. 29, 2002

Result: Panthers 10, Saints 6

How it happened: The Panthers got a decent running performance from RB Nick Goings, and QB Rodney Peete hit FB Brad Hoover for the game's only touchdown. The defense allowed its only 100-yard rusher of the year (Deuce McAllister), but held QB Aaron Brooks to 145 yards.

What it meant: It gave the Panthers four wins in their last five games, providing a springboard to the Super Bowl run the following year. It also was the third loss in a row for the Saints, dropping them from the playoffs, when all they had to do was win.

What they said: “It means everything. You went 0-8 for a stretch. Losing eight games in a row is tough on you mentally. For us to finish winning four of five, it shows the character of this football team and the leadership of John Fox.” — SS Mike Minter

———

Oct. 26, 2003

Result: Panthers 23, Saints 20 (OT)

How it happened: The Panthers lost the overtime coin toss when the coin rolled into DE Mike Rucker's foot, but that was the last thing that went wrong. After DE Julius Peppers forced a fumble on a fourth-and-1 in overtime, Stephen Davis' 34-yard run (he finished with 178) set up John Kasay's game-winning field goal.

What it meant: It clearly re-established some mojo for the Panthers, as it came after their first loss of the season to Tennessee. It was Kasay's third overtime game-winner for the season, and moved them to 6-1.

What they said: “It's just something we're getting accustomed to.” — Peppers, on his pivotal play late to extend a string of comebacks

———

Dec. 5, 2004

Result: Panthers 32, Saints 21

How it happened: Panthers ran to a 26-7 halftime lead and never looked back. Kasay kicked six field goals and Goings ran for 122 yards, while Muhsin Muhammad had 10 catches for 179 yards and a touchdown.

What it meant: Not much, really. Both teams entered 4-7, but it was the Panthers' fourth straight win, and kept them (barely) in the playoff hunt. It also kept them believing, despite their 1-7 start.

What they said: “We're starting to find ourselves. We're doing some good things. We just have to keep it going.” QB Jake Delhomme

———

Dec. 18, 2005

Result: Panthers 27, Saints 10

How it happened: Hurricane Katrina forced the Saints to play “home” games in Baton Rouge, La., at LSU's Tiger Stadium. And in front of about 10,000 people, the Panthers won an easy one against an emotionally spent team (which dropped to 3-11 after opening the season with a win in Charlotte).

What it meant: It gave the Panthers sole possession of first place in the division coming down the stretch, allowing them bounce back from an ugly loss to Tampa Bay the week before.

What they said: “This team always plays us tough. ... It wasn't always the prettiest. At times it was nasty ugly. But we came out and played hard and did what we had to do to win.” — FB Brad Hoover, on the surreal nature of the game

———

Dec. 31, 2006

Result: Panthers 31, Saints 21

How it happened: Delhomme was impressive in his return from a three-week absence with a thumb injury, completing 23 of 27 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns to Steve Smith.

What it meant: Nothing, because the New York Giants won the night before, eliminating the Panthers from the playoffs. It helped them finish up 8-8. The Saints had already clinched the NFC's second seed and rested most of their starters.

What they said: “You usually get what you deserve in this business. We dug ourselves that hole. We were relying on other people. Sometimes when you want things done the best, you do them yourself. We weren't able to do that.” — Fox

———

Oct. 7, 2007

Result: Panthers 16, Saints 13

How it happened: Kasay's 52-yarder as time expired gave the Panthers an unlikely win, although both teams did their best to give it away.

What it meant: It was one of the few bright spots during Delhomme's injury absence, as backup QB David Carr came back from a painful back injury to win it, despite giving the Saints a chance with a late interception.

What they said: “These fans are looking around like ‘What just happened here?'” — DT Maake Kemoeatu, laughing as he walked off the field

———

Dec. 28, 2008

Result: Panthers 33, Saints 31

How it happened: They blew a 30-10 lead as the Saints tried to get Drew Brees the single-season passing record, and needed a last-second field goal by Kasay to escape with yet another unlikely win. Of course, Kasay put the ensuing kickoff out of bounds, allowing the Saints a final shot from 60 yards away that fell short.

What it meant: The Panthers clinched the division title and a much-needed bye week.

What they said: “We're up 20, then in typical Panthers fashion, we've got to make it interesting.” — LT Jordan Gross