The New Orleans Saints have put together their first two game winning streak of the season and shake up the division standings again, with back to back victories over the top seed in the division. The Saints followed that up with a hard fought 20-17 win over the Carolina Panthers, knocking them out of first place in the NFC South and completing a season sweep of their foes.
Saints quarterback Tyler Shough had a fantastic afternoon, conducting the Saints to victory with the first true career game winning drive of his career. He was credited with a game winning drive a week ago, but this is the first time he led the Saints to victory in the final five minutes. Shough finished 24 of 32 passing for 272 yards and a touchdown, while also adding 32 rushing yards. His efficient performance kept the offense on schedule throughout the afternoon and allowed the Saints to control the tempo of the game.
Shough continues to show his poise and confidence in closing moments, delivering clutch throws that sealed the win for New Orleans. The performance marked another step forward in his development, as he continues to build trust as the steady hand guiding the Saints offense.
Tyler Shough proves he can elevate the teams future
Tyler Shough continues to improve each week, showing very encouraging signs for the organization’s future, as his teammates praise his development. “Tyler Shough. He’s building man. Every week I can just tell he’s getting more comfortable. He’s just starting to look like that guy.”Chase Young told the media.
Shough’s game winning drive consisted of eight plays covering 62 yards in just 55 seconds, setting up Saints kicker Charlie Smyth for a 47 yard field goal that sealed the win with two seconds remaining. During the drive, he connected twice with tight end Austin Estime for gains of 19 and nine yards and also finding wide receiver Chris Olave for 15 yards, to move the Saints into scoring position.
The biggest play of the drive, came on Shough’s four yard rush which drew an unnecessary roughness penalty and pushed New Orleans firmly into field goal range at the Panthers 29 yard line. His gradual development since taking over, has shown the organization that the focus in the offseason needs to be to build the offense around him. The signs point to Shough having the ability to elevate the Saints into the best team in the NFC South with the right talent around him.