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Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart scored the fifth touchdown of his rookie season.

It was over when ...
Panthers CB Ken Lucas intercepted Drew Brees midway through the third quarter and returned it to the New Orleans 18-yard line. Six plays later, Carolina RB DeAngelo Williams scored on a 4-yard touchdown catch to give the Panthers a commanding 27-7 lead.

Game ball
Panthers DE Julius Peppers applied constant pressure to Brees and kept the NFL's leading passer off-balance the entire game. Peppers' one sack belied the impact he had as the Panthers' defensive leader.

Key stat
Down 27-7 and desperately trying to claw back into the game, the Saints' short-yardage struggles reappeared. They were stuffed twice on fourth-down runs, preventing them from ever getting within striking distance.

Noteworthy
Reggie Bush did not play in the second half after injuring his knee on a punt return that ended the first half. Saints coach Sean Payton said Bush will not make the team's trip to London this week. ... Since Payton became the Saints coach in 2006, his team is just 1-4 against the rival Panthers. ... Steve Smith has scored a touchdown in six of his past seven games against the Saints. ... Panthers QB Jake Delhomme is 7-2 against his former team.