Panthers 16, Saints 13

NEW ORLEANS -- Steve Smith wouldn't be denied. Smith fought for yards through two tacklers to turn a short catch into a crucial first down, and John Kasay made a 52-yard field goal as time expired, lifting the Carolina Panthers to a 16-13 victory over the winless New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

Panthers players mobbed Kasay at midfield, along the edge of the Saints' fleur-de-lis emblem that is quickly turning from a symbol of civic pride to one of futility.

The Saints (0-4) were supposed to be a Super Bowl contender, but now their chances of even competing for a playoff spot are extremely slim. Only the 1992 San Diego Chargers have fought back from an 0-4 start to do that since the NFL went to a 12-team playoff system in 1990.

Carolina (3-2), by contrast, redeemed itself after a week of dissension following a lopsided home loss to Tampa Bay.

Panthers quarterback David Carr fought through a sore back to complete a pair of clutch passes on a tying drive in the fourth quarter, including Smith's 17-yard touchdown.

The Saints had their chances to win, but Olindo Mare had a 20-yard field goal blocked early in the fourth quarter. And shortly before the 2-minute warning, Mare lined up again from 54 yards with a chance to give the Saints the lead, but missed.

Mare, picked up as a free agent from Miami, has now missed four field goals this season. He was 2-for-4 against Carolina.

Drew Brees and Reggie Bush had the Saints' offense looking better, but it wasn't enough.

Mike Karney had the Saints' only touchdown on a short run. Bush had 119 total yards on an array of running and short passing plays. Brees was 29-of-47 for 252 yards and two interceptions, but the second interception was not his fault.

He hit Devery Henderson on a long pass late in the fourth quarter, but the ball bounced out of Henderson's hands and into the arms of defensive back Chris Harris.

Mike McKenzie's interception of Carr's throw gave the Saints another chance, but they couldn't move the ball, forcing Mare's failed long field goal attempt.

Carr, who briefly left the game after a painful sack in the first quarter, finished 10-of-17 for 119 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Smith had four catches for 47 yards.

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