This is how the New Orleans Saints defense can earn some credibility -- or at least earn the right to walk with some swagger. After a tipped pass was picked off at midfield and returned deep inside their own territory, the Saints defense found themselves with their backs against the wall. And they stepped up.
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard was stopped at the New Orleans 3-yard line for a gain of just two yards, setting up a huge third down. Bryce Young rolled out of the pocket looking for his wide receiver Jalen Coker, and it looked like a too-easy touchdown pass before Saints safety Jonas Sanker swatted the ball away at the catch point. It was a heady play by the second-year pro, but that only set up fourth-and-goal.
No sir. SAINTS
BALL. 📺 #CARvsNO on FOX pic.twitter.com/oVtmPrjhnk
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 15, 2026
And that's when Carl Granderson delivered. With his receivers smothered, Young tried to step up and run for the goal line, but Granderson tripped him up before he reached the line of scrimmage. It officially went down as a sack for no gain, but the turnover on downs gave New Orleans the ball. These are the moments the Saints need to win and come through in the clutch if they're going to beat the Panthers and take control of the NFC South.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: WATCH: Saints defense gets a stop on fourth and goal vs. Panthers
