Sir Purr
Well-known member
- Mar 16, 2019
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That didn’t go as planned.
After Slye’s miss, it was on Carolina’s defense to try to extend the game into overtime with a stop at all costs.
The crucial moment was third-and-6 from the New Orleans 36 when Brees targeted go-to guy Michael Thomas, the NFL’s leading receiver, who was lined up against cornerback James Bradberry.
Thomas drove inside and then cut outside to create separation. Brees delivered the ball for a 24-yard gain to the Carolina 40 with 26 seconds left.
“It was a double move,” Bradberry said. “I thought it was a double slant, that’s why I drove so hard. I slipped a little bit when I was trying to speed turn. The play before that they ran double slants but they dumped it down to Alvin Kamara. I was looking for it again on third-and-6 (for them) to try to get the first down…
“I wish I could have that last play back.”
After a 16-yard catch and a 9-yard run by Kamara, Brees spiked the ball to set up the game-winner.
And just like that, the makings of a huge road win transformed into an utterly devastating loss.
“Everybody worked their ass off. Sometimes it doesn’t go your way. It’s not a good feeling,” Turner said. “They’re all tough, but this is a little different.
“It sucks.”