Tagged: New Orleans Saints

The Carolina Panthers defeated the New Orleans Saints 44-38 Sunday, in a wild game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome to close out the season.

The Saints will finish the 2012 regular season tied with the Panthers and Buccaneers for second (and last) place in the NFC South Division with a 7-9 record.

Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams rushed for a staggering 210 yards, including a 65-yard burst in the first half and a 54-yard touchdown gash in the second half.

Two people familiar with the deal say suspended New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has agreed in principle to a multiyear contract extension.

The people told The Associated Press about the deal Friday on condition of anonymity because it hasn't been signed and final details regarding the length of the contract and financial compensation are still being worked out.

The agreement was first reported by Fox Sports.

The New Orleans Saints will face the Carolina Panthers in the 2012 season finale Sunday at noon in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Neither team can clinch a playoff berth with a victory, but both teams are riding winning streaks and looking to build momentum going into next season.

With a victory, the Saints can even the all-time series history between the two teams at 18 wins apiece.

The Saints have won four of their last five meetings with the Panthers, but Carolina defeated the Saints earlier this season, 35-27 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

History will show that in the wake of the NFL's bounty investigation of the New Orleans Saints, the club missed the playoffs for the first time in four years.

Saints players and coaches have said throughout the season they wouldn't allow the probe and resulting suspensions to become an excuse for failure.

At the same time, few at Saints headquarters completely discount the effect the scandal had on the club being 7-8 heading into Sunday's season finale against Carolina.