FantasyHQ · Game Recap

NFL · Week 8 · October 26, 2003 · 12 min read

Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints: 2003 Week 8 Recap

Panthers defeat Saints 23–20 in Week 8

Jimmy Horn Jr. led Fantasy Impact as Panthers prevailed in a 23–20 Week 8 finish.

Carolina Panthers 23 6–1 Winner
Final 23–20
New Orleans Saints 20 3–5
Winner
Carolina Panthers
Final score
23–20
Halftime
Carolina Panthers 10–17 New Orleans Saints
Top passer
A. Brooks
FantasyHQ MVP
Jimmy Horn Jr.
Game date
October 26, 2003

Top fantasy performers · Panthers

  • Shi Smith
    Shi Smith 9 REC · 100 YDS +7.0 Fantasy Impact
  • Shaquan Davis
    Shaquan Davis 32 CAR · 178 YDS · 2 TD +4.5 Fantasy Impact
  • K.Mangum 1 REC · 22 YDS +3.1 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Saints

  • Jimmy Horn Jr.
    Jimmy Horn Jr. 6 REC · 74 YDS · 2 TD +9.9 Fantasy Impact
  • J.Pathon 3 REC · 34 YDS +3.2 Fantasy Impact
  • D.McAllister 3 REC · 32 YDS +2.4 Fantasy Impact

Quick answer

Winner
Carolina Panthers
Final score
Carolina Panthers 23–20 New Orleans Saints
Halftime
Carolina Panthers 10–17 New Orleans Saints at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Jimmy Horn Jr.
Top passer
A. Brooks
Biggest EPA play
(1:21) 2-A.Brooks sacked at NO 13 for -8 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by CAR-55-D.Morgan at N…
Game date
2003-10-26

Game summary

The Carolina Panthers beat the New Orleans Saints 23–20 on 2003-10-26, overcoming New Orleans Saints's 17–10 halftime lead. Jimmy Horn Jr. posted a game-high +9.90 total EPA in the receiving.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 24 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4OTT
Carolina Panthers3737323
New Orleans Saints01703020

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

CARCarolina Panthers
NONew Orleans Saints

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

13 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q1 5:19FG
    JKJ. Kasay

    Points+3

    Yard line
    NO 6
    Score
    3-0

    (5:19) 4-J.Kasay 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun.

  2. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q2 13:35TD
    Shaquan Davis

    Points+6

    Yard line
    NO 1
    Score
    9-0

    (13:35) 48-S.Davis right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  3. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q2 13:30XP
    JKJ. Kasay

    Points+1

    Yard line
    NO 2
    Score
    10-0

    4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun.

  4. NONew Orleans Saints
    Q2 7:11TD
    Jimmy Horn Jr.

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CAR 14
    Score
    10-6

    (7:11) 2-A.Brooks pass to 87-J.Horn for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 14, Run 0

  5. NONew Orleans Saints
    Q2 7:04XP
    JCJ. Carney

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CAR 2
    Score
    10-7

    3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-17-M.Berger.

  6. NONew Orleans Saints
    Q2 1:23TD
    Jimmy Horn Jr.

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CAR 23
    Score
    10-13

    (1:23) (Shotgun) 2-A.Brooks pass to 87-J.Horn for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 23, Run 0

  7. NONew Orleans Saints
    Q2 1:17XP
    JCJ. Carney

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CAR 2
    Score
    10-14

    3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-17-M.Berger.

  8. NONew Orleans Saints
    Q2 0:04FG
    JCJ. Carney

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CAR 29
    Score
    10-17

    (:04) 3-J.Carney 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-17-M.Berger.

  9. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q3 9:18FG
    JKJ. Kasay

    Points+3

    Yard line
    NO 11
    Score
    13-17

    (9:18) 4-J.Kasay 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun.

  10. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q4 3:50TD
    Shaquan Davis

    Points+6

    Yard line
    NO 1
    Score
    19-17

    (3:50) 48-S.Davis right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  11. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q4 3:46XP
    JKJ. Kasay

    Points+1

    Yard line
    NO 2
    Score
    20-17

    4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun.

  12. NONew Orleans Saints
    Q4 0:41FG
    JCJ. Carney

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CAR 25
    Score
    20-20

    (:41) 3-J.Carney 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-17-M.Berger.

  13. CARCarolina Panthers
    OT 10:28FG
    JKJ. Kasay

    Points+3

    Yard line
    NO 12
    Score
    23-20

    (10:28) 4-J.Kasay 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Jimmy Horn Jr.Jimmy Horn Jr. · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +9.90 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.65 EPA/play
  2. 2Shi SmithShi Smith · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +6.98 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.78 EPA/play
  3. 3Shaquan DavisShaquan Davis · Carolina Panthers · Rushing · +4.52 total EPA · 32 snaps · +0.14 EPA/play
  4. 4J. Pathon · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +3.24 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.08 EPA/play
  5. 5K. Mangum · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +3.08 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.08 EPA/play
  6. 6D. McAllister · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +2.42 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.81 EPA/play
  7. 7R. Proehl · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +2.28 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.28 EPA/play
  8. 8A. Brooks · New Orleans Saints · Rushing · +1.43 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

Jimmy Horn Jr.

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Jimmy Horn Jr. — NO · Receiving

Jimmy Horn Jr. posted the highest total EPA (+9.90) in the game, the strongest overall impact for New Orleans Saints. Across 6 counted snaps, they averaged +1.65 EPA per play.

Jimmy Horn Jr.'s top snap (+3.90 EPA): (1:23) (Shotgun) 2-A.Brooks pass to 87-J.Horn for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 23, Run 0

Biggest single play (-4.97 EPA): A. Brooks — (1:21) 2-A.Brooks sacked at NO 13 for -8 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by CAR-55-D.Morgan at NO 25. 55-D.Morgan to NO 25 for no gain (62-J.Fontenot). Play Challenged by NO and Upheld. (Timeout #1 by NO at

Quarterback report card

A. Brooks led all passers in efficiency for New Orleans Saints, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • A. Brooks (New Orleans Saints) · 36 dropbacks · 55.6% completion · -0.18 EPA/play · -6.45 total EPA
  • J. Delhomme (Carolina Panthers) · 31 dropbacks · 38.7% completion · -0.00 EPA/play · -0.02 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatCarolina PanthersNew Orleans Saints
Offensive EPA/play+0.023-0.065
Offensive success rate38.9%46.4%
Pass EPA/play+0.007-0.157
Rush EPA/play+0.129-0.216
Defensive EPA/play+0.065-0.023
Defensive success rate53.6%61.1%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Carolina Panthers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.02 vs -0.07), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Carolina Panthers: +0.02 EPA/play (60th percentile vs. 2003 team-game averages)
  • New Orleans Saints: -0.07 EPA/play (37th percentile vs. 2003 team-game averages)
  • Carolina Panthers: 13 drives, +2.07 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
  • New Orleans Saints: 14 drives, -5.46 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Shaquan DavisCarolina Panthers — Shaquan Davis (Q2 13:35)
  • Jimmy Horn Jr.New Orleans Saints — Jimmy Horn Jr. (A. Brooks pass) (Q2 7:11)
  • Jimmy Horn Jr.New Orleans Saints — Jimmy Horn Jr. (A. Brooks pass) (Q2 1:23)
  • Shaquan DavisCarolina Panthers — Shaquan Davis (Q4 3:50)

Field goals

  • Carolina Panthers — J. Kasay (Q1 5:19)
  • New Orleans Saints — J. Carney (Q2 0:04)
  • Carolina Panthers — J. Kasay (Q3 9:18)
  • New Orleans Saints — J. Carney (Q4 0:41)
  • Carolina Panthers — J. Kasay (OT 10:28)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 3–0. Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the NO 6 (Q1 5:19) — (5:19) 4-J.Kasay 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun..

The second quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 17–7. Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the NO 1 (Q2 13:35) — (13:35) 48-S.Davis right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 13:30) — 4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the CAR 14 (Q2 7:11) — (7:11) 2-A.Brooks pass to 87-J.Horn for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 14, Run 0; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the CAR 2 (Q2 7:04) — 3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-17-M.Berger.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the CAR 23 (Q2 1:23) — (1:23) (Shotgun) 2-A.Brooks pass to 87-J.Horn for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 23, Run 0; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the CAR 2 (Q2 1:17) — 3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-17-M.Berger.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the CAR 29 (Q2 0:04) — (:04) 3-J.Carney 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-17-M.Berger..

The third quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 3–0. Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the NO 11 (Q3 9:18) — (9:18) 4-J.Kasay 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun..

The fourth quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 7–3. Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the NO 1 (Q4 3:50) — (3:50) 48-S.Davis right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q4 3:46) — 4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the CAR 25 (Q4 0:41) — (:41) 3-J.Carney 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-17-M.Berger..

Overtime: Carolina Panthers won the period 3–0. Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the NO 12 (OT 10:28) — (10:28) 4-J.Kasay 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Carolina Panthers (Q4 0:30) — (:30) 48-S.Davis left guard to CAR 25 for 1 yard (98-W.Whitehead). [WPA -27.2% · EPA -0.17]
  • Carolina Panthers (OT 11:20) — (11:20) 48-S.Davis left guard pushed ob at NO 11 for 34 yards (34-T.Jones). [WPA +26.7% · EPA +2.65]
  • New Orleans Saints (OT 13:41) — (13:41) 26-D.McAllister right guard to CAR 38 for -1 yards (90-J.Peppers). FUMBLES (90-J.Peppers), RECOVERED by CAR-77-K.Jenkins at CAR 38. 77-K.Jenkins to CAR 38 for no gain (72-W.Gandy). [WPA -20.8% · EPA -2.87]
  • New Orleans Saints (Q4 2:35) — (2:35) (Shotgun) 2-A.Brooks pass to 80-J.Pathon to NO 47 for 16 yards (30-M.Minter). Pass 14, Run 2 [WPA +19.5% · EPA +2.54]
  • New Orleans Saints (Q4 1:30) — (1:30) 2-A.Brooks pass to 82-B.Williams to CAR 25 for no gain (21-T.Cousin). [WPA -17.5% · EPA -1.07]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • New Orleans Saints (Q1 1:21) — (1:21) 2-A.Brooks sacked at NO 13 for -8 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by CAR-55-D.Morgan at NO 25. 55-D.Morgan to NO 25 for no gain (62-J.Fontenot). Play Challenged by NO and Upheld. (Timeout #1 by NO at [WPA -12.9% · EPA -4.97]
  • New Orleans Saints (Q3 1:17) — (1:17) 2-A.Brooks pass intended for 82-B.Williams INTERCEPTED by 54-W.Witherspoon at CAR 7. 54-W.Witherspoon to CAR 17 for 10 yards. Lateral to 30-M.Minter pushed ob at CAR 24 for 7 yards (82-B.Willia [WPA -13.5% · EPA -4.89]
  • New Orleans Saints (Q2 1:23) — (1:23) (Shotgun) 2-A.Brooks pass to 87-J.Horn for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 23, Run 0 [WPA +13.2% · EPA +3.90]
  • Carolina Panthers (Q2 15:00) — (15:00) 17-J.Delhomme pass to 86-K.Mangum to NO 1 for 22 yards (59-D.Rodgers). Pass 0, Run 22 [WPA +7.4% · EPA +3.08]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q1 5:19 · NO 6 · Score 3-0
    (5:19) 4-J.Kasay 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun.
  2. Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 13:35 · NO 1 · Score 9-0
    (13:35) 48-S.Davis right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q2 13:30 · NO 2 · Score 10-0
    4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun.
  4. New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 7:11 · CAR 14 · Score 10-6
    (7:11) 2-A.Brooks pass to 87-J.Horn for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 14, Run 0
  5. New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q2 7:04 · CAR 2 · Score 10-7
    3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-17-M.Berger.
  6. New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 1:23 · CAR 23 · Score 10-13
    (1:23) (Shotgun) 2-A.Brooks pass to 87-J.Horn for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 23, Run 0
  7. New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q2 1:17 · CAR 2 · Score 10-14
    3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-17-M.Berger.
  8. New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q2 0:04 · CAR 29 · Score 10-17
    (:04) 3-J.Carney 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-17-M.Berger.
  9. Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q3 9:18 · NO 11 · Score 13-17
    (9:18) 4-J.Kasay 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun.
  10. Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q4 3:50 · NO 1 · Score 19-17
    (3:50) 48-S.Davis right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  11. Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q4 3:46 · NO 2 · Score 20-17
    4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun.
  12. New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q4 0:41 · CAR 25 · Score 20-20
    (:41) 3-J.Carney 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-17-M.Berger.
  13. Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — OT 10:28 · NO 12 · Score 23-20
    (10:28) 4-J.Kasay 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Carolina Panthers earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
  • Jimmy Horn Jr. (New Orleans Saints) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints on 2003-10-26?

The Carolina Panthers beat the New Orleans Saints 23-20 in Week 8, 2003.

What was the score by quarter in Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints?

Q1: Carolina Panthers 3, New Orleans Saints 0; Q2: Carolina Panthers 7, New Orleans Saints 17; Q3: Carolina Panthers 3, New Orleans Saints 0; Q4: Carolina Panthers 7, New Orleans Saints 3; Q5: Carolina Panthers 3, New Orleans Saints 0; Final: Carolina Panthers 23, New Orleans Saints 20.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints?

Carolina Panthers touchdown — S. Davis (Q2 13:35) New Orleans Saints touchdown — J. Horn (A. Brooks pass) (Q2 7:11) New Orleans Saints touchdown — J. Horn (A. Brooks pass) (Q2 1:23) Carolina Panthers touchdown — S. Davis (Q4 3:50) Carolina Panthers field goal — J. Kasay (Q1 5:19, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — J. Carney (Q2 0:04, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — J. Kasay (Q3 9:18, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — J. Carney (Q4 0:41, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — J. Kasay (OT 10:28, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints?

A. Brooks (New Orleans Saints), 55.6% completion, -0.18 EPA per dropback, -6.45 total passing EPA. J. Delhomme (Carolina Panthers), 38.7% completion, -0.00 EPA per dropback, -0.02 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints?

Jimmy Horn Jr. (New Orleans Saints) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +9.90 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 6 snaps. Their top snap (+3.90 EPA): (1:23) (Shotgun) 2-A.Brooks pass to 87-J.Horn for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass 23, Run 0.

Was Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints a close game?

Yes — the margin was 3 points. Carolina Panthers won 23-20 in a game that came down to the wire.

Season records after this game

Carolina Panthers

Entered 5-1 Now 6-1 W

New Orleans Saints

Entered 3-4 Now 3-5 L