The New Orleans Saints came out victorious in their 17-7 division matchup against the Carolina Panthers. This Saints got a much needed win against a really good Panthers squad after losing 4 games in a row, and a big reason for their success was because quarterback Tyler Shough. The rookie was clearly the Saints player of the game, and his leadership and efficiency under center provided the spark the offense had been missing in prior weeks.
Shough's fantastic performance was the engine to the Saints offense looking the best it has all season. He showcased impressive poise in the pocket, delivering accurate throws and making smart decisions throughout the game. His confidence and command of the offense were evident from the opening drive, setting the tone for a strong team performance.
Although the Saints managed just 17 points, their offense consistently moved the ball downfield efficiently and executed when it mattered most. Shough finished the day 19-27 for 282 yards and 2 touchdowns. His command of the offense and ability to spread the ball around kept the Panthers defense on its heels.
Big plays from Tyler Shough fuel Saints victory
Shough’s big afternoon got rolling with a 52 yard strike to Juwan Johnson in the first quarter. The explosive play set up a field goal, that pulled the squad within four, cutting the deficit to 7-3. This deep connection energized the offense early and set the tone for a great performance for Shough.
Shough’s big afternoon would continue as he connected with Chris Olave for a 62 yard touchdown strike in the second quarter to give the Saints a 10-7 lead. After the explosive play, the Saints never trailed for the remainder of the game, maintaining control and confidence on both sides of the ball. The connection between Shough and Olave electrified the crowd and showcased the chemistry the young quarterback and his star receiver.
Late in the 4th quarter, Shough would connect with Juwan Johnson for his 2nd passing touchdown of the afternoon, delivering the dagger that put the Saints ahead 17-7. The perfectly timed throw capped off an impressive offensive performance and sealed the team’s hard fought victory over the Panthers.
This performance could give the Saints offense a much needed boost of momentum as they head into the bye week. With Shough playing at such a high level and the team firing on all cylinders, the squad can carry this confidence into the 2nd half of the season.