The legend of Tyler Shough and Charlie Smyth grew on Sunday. Shough delivered his first game winning drive, and Smyth had his first game-winning field goal. If you're looking towards the future, it was a bright
The Saints delivered an 11 minute drive that was the clear shift for the Saints. The two teams went back and forth with four consecutive drives of at least four minutes, including a near 8-minute scoring drive by the Saints.
Those lengthy drives kept some of the scoring off the board, but the Saints made it into scoring position. The only drive they didn't score on after that 11 minute drive was a turnover on downs in the fourth quarter. Even that drive featured a made field goal before a penalty gave the Saints a fourth and short, which they failed to convert.
Tyler Shough spoils the Panthers' hopes in his first home victory
Coming into this game, the rookie had yet to find success in the Caesars Superdome. Shough's victories over the Panthers and Buccaneers were both impressive wins. Each game was a vehicle to announce is arrival and potential, however, neither of those games were at home.
That doesn't devalue the wins, but it is a box Shough came into the game looking to check a new box. He did it and did it in dramatic fashion. The Saints delivered 10 points on the final two drives, and Shough was the catalyst.
In just his fifth start, Shough showed elite poise on the last drive of the game. He wasn't afraid to take what the defense gave him. Who would have expected Audric Estime to catch the most passes in Shough's first game winning drive? Shough clearly had a strong control of the moment, and it's looking more and more like the Saints have found their franchise quarterback.
Chris Olave had been quiet for most of the game. Not only did he only have just one reception until the Saints' second to last drive of regulation, he was barely targeted. He was essentially a non factor... until he wasn't.
After having just one catch for 7 yards, Olave became the engine at the end of the game. He finished with six receptions for 85 yards. Shough delivered some clutch throws along the way, highlighted by the touchdown throw to Olave against Jaycee Horn.