National Football League

Carney steps up with 3 FGs as Saints top Panthers

Published Oct. 4, 2010 6:31 a.m. ET

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After home games, Saints coach Sean Payton often strolls out on the Louisiana Superdome turf and throws passes to his kids and some of their friends.

On Sunday, Payton kneeled down near one of the goal posts, assuming the role of holder while the kids attempted field goals. It was a fitting tribute to 46-year-old John Carney, who opened his 23rd season as an NFL kicker by hitting three crucial field goals to help the Saints take a tense 16-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

''It's a great situation,'' Carney said. ''I feel blessed and fortunate to have the opportunity to come back here and help the Saints.''

Carney was on the Saints' roster for 11 games last season, then became New Orleans' kicking coach while younger, stronger-legged Garrett Hartley took over and ultimately became one of the heroes of New Orleans' first NFL championship. But Hartley was off to a rough start in 2010, missing three of his first seven field goals, including a 29-yarder in overtime in a loss to Atlanta last weekend.

That led the Saints to call back Carney, who was not ready to retire and had continued kicking, lifting and running on his own, four days a week, back home in San Diego.

''He's just a pro. That's all you can say,'' Saints quarterback Drew Brees said. ''It's just ingrained in him. He's one of these very focused, very regimented guys.''

Hartley remains with the Saints and is expected to return to action eventually. In the meantime, the Saints hope Hartley benefits from daily competition with Carney in practice, and from watching the old pro work.

''Garrett and I have developed a good friendship over the past year and a half,'' Carney said. ''We learn from each other. I think we sharpen each other and I think we'll both come out of this better in the long run. I know it's uncomfortable at times for both of us, but it's professional football and you go out there and do your best and work to get better.''

The Saints (3-1) may need to improve more than their kicking game if they want to defend their title.

New Orleans got in the end zone only once on a screen pass that Lance Moore turned into a 4-yard touchdown.

Brees suggested that New Orleans' triumph over Carolina (0-4) could have been more convincing if not for a pair of turnovers deep in Panthers territory.

''This was a 30-point day we turned into 16 points with turnovers and a lack of execution,'' said Brees, who threw for 275 yards.

In the first quarter, Moore fumbled on the 1-yard line. In the second quarter, rookie running back Chris Ivory fumbled inside the Carolina 25.

Carolina tied the game at 7 when rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen found running back Jonathan Stewart wide open behind blown coverage for a 55-yard catch and run.

After Carney's first field goal gave New Orleans a 10-7 halftime lead, Carolina vaulted back in front when DeAngelo Williams scored on a 39-yard run in the third quarter.

Carney hit from 32 and 25 yards out to put New Orleans back in front. Then Clausen nearly drove the Panthers into range for a winning field goal try, converting a fourth-down pass to David Gettis at the New Orleans 38 with 1:46 left.

The Saints defense tightened up, however. Usama Young dropped Williams for a 4-yard loss and then Malcolm Jenkins sacked Clausen.

''They were blitzing and I just couldn't get it out quick enough,'' Clausen said. ''I can't take a sack in that situation.''

The drive stalled one play later, allowing New Orleans to avoid an upset by a Panthers squad that came in as a 13-point underdog.

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