Kasay's late field goal lifts Panthers to win

NEW ORLEANS - Steve Smith wouldn't be denied.

Smith fought for yards through two tacklers to turn a short catch into a crucial first down, and John Kasay made a 52-yard field goal as time expired, lifting the Carolina Panthers to a 16-13 victory over the winless New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

Panthers players mobbed Kasay at midfield, along the edge of the Saints' fleur-de-lis emblem that is quickly turning from a symbol of civic pride to one of futility.

The Saints (0-4) were supposed to be a Super Bowl contender, but now their chances of even competing for a playoff spot are extremely slim. Only the 1992 San Diego Chargers have fought back from an 0-4 start to do that since the NFLwent to a 12-team playoff system in 1990.

Carolina (3-2), by contrast, redeemed itself after a week of dissension following a lopsided home loss to Tampa Bay.

Panthers quarterback David Carr fought through a sore back to complete a pair of clutch passes on a tying drive in the fourth quarter, including Smith's 17-yard touchdown.

The Saints had their chances to win, but Olindo Mare had a 20-yard field goal blocked early in the fourth quarter. And shortly before the 2- minute warning, Mare lined up again from 54 yards with a chance to give the Saints the lead, but missed.

Mare, picked up as a free agent from Miami, has now missed four field goals this season. He was 2-for- 4 against Carolina.

Drew Brees and Reggie Bush had the Saints' offense looking better, but it wasn't enough.

Mike Karney had the Saints' only touchdown on a short run.