The Panthers released Keyshawn Johnson three days after drafting receiver Dwayne Jarrett, convinced Jarrett immediately would become the No. 2 receiver opposite Steve Smith.

Jarrett hasn't been able to learn the playbook. After being inactive in six of the first eight games, Jarrett has played some of late. On Sunday, he ran the wrong route on the first of Carr's two interceptions.

Smith's numbers are way down from his career year in 2005, and he hasn't caught a TD pass during the five-game skid. While much of that can be blamed on Carolina's quarterback woes, Smith couldn't come up with what would have been a touchdown catch late in the first quarter Sunday.

After the ball bounced off his chest, Smith got up and started barking at Saints cornerback Jason David. Smith always seems to be angry, even though he'll angrily tell you that he's not.

The defense has improved of late, but not behind the supposed stars. Rookie Jon Beason and training camp acquisition Chris Harris have been Carolina's bright lights.

The high-priced defensive line has been awful, burdened by Julius Peppers having just 2 1/2 sacks in 11 games.

Peppers' effort on one play early in Carolina's loss to New Orleans may have best summed up the lack of urgency around the team. Aaron Stecker got the handoff and ran to Peppers' side. Peppers, who is hardly ever double-teamed anymore, was blocked by Jon Stinchcomb. Peppers was stood up and then inexplicably turned away and looked toward the end zone.

NFL Sunday games roundup Lessons from Week 17 Patriots' pursuit of perfection isn't only great playoff storyline

The whistle hadn't blown. Stecker was still fighting for yards, and was eventually pushed back into Peppers, who still was looking the other way. Peppers fell to the ground.

Peppers finished without a single tackle, bringing back memories of Richardson's reasoning for firing Seifert.

"The energy has been sucked out of our organization and our fan base,'' Richardson said.

There's little energy around the Panthers now.

Don't miss this on MSNBC.com Pass it on: Sons of infertile men may be next The eight biggest Olympic marketing debacles Reality show judges range from wise to wacko Cosmic Log: Is this your jetpack? Forget your inhibitions: World's sexiest islands