The New Orleans Saints took advantage of three Carolina Panthers turnovers to take a 16-13 halftime lead Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Linebacker Stephone Anthony stripped the ball from Carolina running back Jonathan Stewart and returned it for a 31-yard touchdown in the first quarter. It was the Saints' first defensive touchdown since the 2012 season. Cornerback Delvin Breaux had an interception and Kenny Vaccaro recovered a Greg Olsen fumble. Anthony also returned a blocked Carolina point-after attempt 82 yards for a two-point conversion.

The Saints' offensive touchdown was a 14-yard pass from Drew Brees to tight end Benjamin Watson.

Newton was 13 of 19 for 107 yards with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Mike Tolbert. Newton also ran two times for 35 yards. Jonathan Stewart had Carolina's second touchdown, a 5-yard run in the second quarter. Stewart had 11 carries for 60 yards.

Brees was 13 of 21 for 104 yards. Mark Ingram had eight carries for 31 yards.