Defences were holding firm in the New Orleans Saints' clash with the Carolina Panthers at the Bank of America Stadium, until the Saints rallied shortly before half time.

Although the Saints turned the ball over twice in the first quarter, the Panthers struggled to punish them for their mistakes and turn their possession into points.

Kelvin Benjamin produced an impressive block to prevent Keenan Lewis from working the ball back to Cam Newton, resulting in a Panthers' first down early in the second quarter.

Mark Ingram scored the game's first touchdown less than three minutes before the second interval, the Saints notching up the extra point to take a 7-0 lead.

Saints extended their lead with just seconds to go until half time, Drew Brees picking out Jimmy Graham for their second touchdown of the evening to put them 14-0 up at the halfway stage.