CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For the first time in weeks, the New Orleans Saints found something that had been missing all season — stability at quarterback.
Rookie Tyler Shough, making his first career start, delivered an impressive performance with 282 passing yards and two touchdowns, guiding the Saints to a 17–7 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday and snapping a four-game losing streak.
The second-round pick from Louisville became the first rookie quarterback to win for New Orleans since 1981, connecting on a 62-yard bomb to Chris Olave and a 30-yard strike to Juwan Johnson.
Olave led all receivers with five catches for 104 yards, while Alvin Kamara powered the ground game with 83 rushing yards as the Saints (2–8) finally found their rhythm.
“Tyler took a huge step today,” head coach Kellen Moore said. “He stayed poised, extended plays, and gave us a real spark. That’s exactly the kind of energy we’ve been needing.”
Shough said the moment wasn’t about personal accolades — it was about his teammates.
“We’ve had some tough weeks, but today we played real complementary football,” Shough said. “It was amazing to see everyone smiling in the locker room again.”
Panthers’ Momentum Stalls
The Panthers (5–5) entered the game having won four of their last five, but their playoff push took a hit as their offense sputtered.
Quarterback Bryce Young threw for just 124 yards with two turnovers, marking the eighth time in nine starts he’s been held under 200 passing yards. Rico Dowdle provided Carolina’s lone highlight with a 5-yard touchdown run on the opening drive, finishing with 53 yards on 18 carries.
After that early score, the Panthers fell apart — their next five possessions produced only 36 total yards.
“That wasn’t our brand of football,” head coach Dave Canales said. “We made too many mistakes, gave up explosive plays, and didn’t capitalize on turnovers. That’s not who we are.”
Saints Take Control
New Orleans flipped the momentum late in the first half when Olave burned cornerback Jaycee Horn for a deep touchdown to give the Saints a 10–7 lead at the break.
Carolina’s best chance to rally came in the third quarter after a blocked Saints field goal gave them new life. But a fumbled exchange between Young and receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. ended the drive and handed the ball back to New Orleans.
Moments later, cornerback Alontae Taylor intercepted a deep pass from Young — just days after his name surfaced in trade rumors — and Shough capitalized, hitting Johnson wide open down the left sideline for a 30-yard touchdown to seal the win.
“I just wanted to go out there and prove my worth to this team,” Taylor said. “Getting that pick meant a lot.”
A Bittersweet Return for Olave
Sunday’s game carried personal meaning for Olave, who suffered a season-ending concussion at Bank of America Stadium last November.
“Walking onto this field again brought back some memories,” Olave said. “But having my dad here helped me focus. I just wanted to go out there and make it right this time.”
Game Notes
Saints: Outgained the Panthers 388–175 and controlled possession for over 35 minutes.
Panthers: TE Michell Evans (ankle) and LB Trevin Wallace (shoulder) left with injuries.
Up Next:
Saints: Bye week before hosting the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 23.
Panthers: Travel to Atlanta next Sunday for a divisional matchup.
