After eight seasons and several knee surgeries, Saints running back Deuce McAllister was able to start what might have been his final game with the only NFL team he has known.
The Saints didn't win the rushing battle in a 33-31 loss to the Panthers, and the running game wasn't the emphasis of the Saints' offense. But with Pierre Thomas (back, wrist) out and Reggie Bush (knee) on injured reserve, McAllister got his 76th career start.
He finished with eight carries for 40 yards and five catches for 41 yards.
"It was definitely a tough year, probably a little bit tougher than I wanted it to be, not, per se, than I expected," said McAllister, who had torn both of his anterior cruciate ligaments in recent years. "I got lucky with the first ACL surgery and didn't experience any true swelling or discomfort in it. And this one, I wasn't so lucky, so I had the fluid build-up, MCL sprains, etc. But I just tried to continue to be ready to play on Sundays. Monday through Fridays weren't the prettiest, as far as practice is concerned, but on Sunday I just tried to be there and be ready for my team."
Saints Coach Sean Payton said Sunday that McAllister experienced a setback with his left knee -- which was operated on before the season -- after the Saints played their eighth game of the season in London. McAllister said the setback came before the trip to London, during a home game against the Oakland Raiders on Oct. 12.
Payton declined to comment on the speculation that McAllister, despite having four more years on his contract, could be elsewhere next season. And McAllister was hesitant to discuss it but acknowledged that he might have to go to another team.
"There's a possibility that may happen," McAllister said. "I can't control that. All I can do is get myself prepared and ready to play a season. Hopefully, it's here. If it's not, then it's not."
The Saints finished Sunday's loss with 50 yards rushing on 11 carries.
The most impressive rushing performances came from the Panthers' DeAngelo Williams with 178 yards on 25 attempts -- a 7.1 yards-per-carry average -- and rookie Jonathan Stewart with 56 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries.
Carolina had 174 yards rushing by halftime.
"That tandem they have right now is probably the best in the league," Saints linebacker Scott Fujita said. "Numbers-wise, they're kind of shaping up to be one of the best ever in terms of two running backs. So they're doing really well. They break a lot of tackles -- as you saw today, we missed a lot of tackles. It's tough to win when you play that way. But they're a lot to prepare for. They're low, great balance, speed, athletic, all that stuff, and a really, really good, physical offensive line in front of them."
MOORE AND COLSTON: With Marques Colston injured for much of the 2008 season, Lance Moore seemed to become Drew Brees' favorite receiver. And as Colston returned to form toward the end of the season, more throws started to head his way.
On Sunday, Colston and Moore showed why they both were capable of being the Saints' No. 1 receiver. Moore finished with eight catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns, and Colston finished with seven catches for 123 yards and one touchdown.
Robert Meachem, a 2007 first-round draft pick who did not play until this season, also finished on a high note. He had three catches for 36 yards and a touchdown Sunday, the first time in his career he scored in consecutive games.
"I think he's made progress," Payton said about Meachem. "He's made some plays above his head. He's a talented guy that can run, and all those things I think will serve him well. And we look forward to continuing to develop him."
INACTIVES AND MOVES: Thomas, tight end Jeremy Shockey (ankle) and defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy (hamstring) were inactive. The Saints' other inactive players were cornerback Michael Lehan, guard Jamar Nesbit, defensive end Rob Ninkovich, receiver David Patten and quarterback Joey Harrington.
McAllister, tight end Billy Miller and defensive tackle Hollis Thomas took spots in the starting lineup.
Before the game, the Saints moved running back Lynell Hamilton from the practice squad to the active roster and waived defensive end Tearrius George.
EXTRA POINTS: Gov. Bobby Jindal and the Utah Football team attended the game. . . . Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis was at home for Sunday's game because he was not feeling well, according to Greg Bensel, the Saints' vice president of communications. . . . The Saints' loss was the only home loss of the season for an NFC South team against a division opponent.
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Teddy Kider can be reached at tkider@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3409.
