New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats
The New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats from November 9, 2025, tell a much more detailed story than the final score alone. New Orleans defeated Carolina 17-7, but the game was shaped by a combination of efficient quarterback play, explosive receiving, defensive pressure, and Carolina’s inability to generate consistent offense. Tyler Shough completed 19 of 27 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception, while Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson supplied the Saints with the explosive plays that ultimately separated the teams.
The final score may look relatively close, but the underlying numbers show a clear contrast. The Saints produced 266 team passing yards compared with only 102 for the Panthers. New Orleans also finished with 282 receiving yards, while Carolina managed 124. The Panthers did have a productive rushing touchdown from Rico Dowdle and opened the game with a touchdown, but they failed to score again after the first quarter.
This breakdown examines the complete player statistics, the most important individual performances, the key statistical differences, and what the numbers reveal about how the Saints turned a 7-3 deficit into a 17-7 victory.
New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats at a Glance
The November 9, 2025 matchup finished with the Saints winning 17-7.
| Category | Saints | Panthers |
| Final Score | 17 | 7 |
| Passing Yards | 266 | 102 |
| Passing TDs | 2 | 0 |
| Interceptions Thrown | 0 | 1 |
| Rushing Yards | 122 | 73 |
| Rushing TDs | 0 | 1 |
| Total Receptions | 19 | 17 |
| Receiving Yards | 282 | 124 |
| Sacks Allowed | 2 | 2 |
| Field Goals | 1/1 | 0/1 |
| Team Passing Rating | 124.4 | 62.8 |
| Team Fumbles Lost | 1 | 1 |
The statistical difference was especially obvious through the air. New Orleans averaged 10.1 yards per team pass attempt before accounting for the yardage lost on sacks, while Carolina averaged only 5.0 yards per pass attempt.
That difference helped explain why the Saints were able to produce more sustained offensive value despite Carolina scoring first.
How the Game Unfolded
The Panthers started the game with the better scoreboard position, scoring seven points in the opening quarter. Carolina’s only touchdown came on the ground, with Rico Dowdle providing the rushing score.
New Orleans answered with three points in the first quarter before adding seven more in the second. The Saints entered halftime with a 10-7 advantage.
Neither team scored in the third quarter.
New Orleans then added another seven points in the fourth quarter, turning the game into a 17-7 Saints victory.
The quarter-by-quarter scoring was:
- Saints: 3 points in the first quarter
- Saints: 7 points in the second quarter
- Saints: 0 points in the third quarter
- Saints: 7 points in the fourth quarter
- Panthers: 7 points in the first quarter
- Panthers: 0 points in the second quarter
- Panthers: 0 points in the third quarter
- Panthers: 0 points in the fourth quarter
That scoring pattern is important because Carolina did not simply lose a shootout. The Panthers were held scoreless for the final three quarters.
Tyler Shough’s Passing Performance
Tyler Shough was one of the biggest reasons New Orleans won.
He completed 19 of 27 passes for 282 yards, giving him a completion rate of approximately 70.4%. He threw two touchdowns and no interceptions.
His individual numbers were:
- 19 completions
- 27 attempts
- 282 passing yards
- 10.4 yards per completed pass attempt
- 2 passing touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 2 sacks
- 16 sack yards lost
- 62.8 QBR
- 128.9 passer rating
The 128.9 passer rating stands out because it reflects an efficient passing performance without turnover mistakes.
Shough also distributed the football effectively. His production was not built around repeatedly throwing short passes for modest gains. New Orleans generated several explosive completions, including major plays to Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson.
The quarterback’s two touchdown passes were particularly important because Carolina’s offense was unable to answer after the first quarter.
Why Shough’s Efficiency Mattered
One of the clearest lessons from the numbers is that completion percentage alone does not explain the Saints’ passing success.
Shough completed 19 passes, but those completions generated 282 individual passing yards for the listed quarterback statistics. The Saints were able to create chunk plays rather than relying entirely on long, slow drives.
He also avoided interceptions.
That combination gave New Orleans a strong efficiency profile:
- High completion rate
- Strong yardage production
- Two passing touchdowns
- No interceptions
- Only two sacks
Against a Panthers offense that generated just 102 team passing yards, that was enough to create a major advantage.
Taysom Hill’s Limited Passing Role
Taysom Hill attempted one pass and did not complete it.
His passing line was:
- 0 completions
- 1 attempt
- 0 yards
- 0 touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 4.3 QBR
- 39.6 passer rating
Those numbers should not be interpreted as a reflection of Hill’s overall offensive contribution because his role extended beyond passing.
Hill carried the ball seven times for 20 yards. His 2.9 yards per carry were not especially efficient, but his presence gave the Saints another dimension in the offensive game plan.
Bryce Young’s Passing Numbers
Bryce Young completed 17 of 25 passes for 124 yards.
His passing statistics included:
- 17 completions
- 25 attempts
- 124 passing yards
- 5.0 yards per attempt
- 0 touchdowns
- 1 interception
- 2 sacks
- 22 yards lost on sacks
- 16.6 QBR
- 62.8 passer rating
The biggest issue was not simply the interception. Carolina struggled to produce explosive passing plays.
Young completed 68% of his attempts, which sounds respectable in isolation. However, those completions generated only 124 passing yards before the team-level adjustment for sack yardage.
The Panthers’ team passing total was 102 yards after accounting for the 22 yards lost on sacks.
That is a critical distinction when evaluating the game.
A quarterback can complete a high percentage of passes while an offense still struggles to move the football if the throws consistently produce short gains.
Carolina’s Passing Problem
The Panthers’ 5.0-yard average on their passing production was less than half of the Saints’ listed 10.4-yard average for Shough.
That difference illustrates why the Saints created more offensive pressure despite the game remaining relatively low scoring.
Carolina needed more successful early-down throws and more explosive gains to keep drives alive. Instead, the offense repeatedly struggled to turn completions into substantial field position.
Chris Olave Leads the Saints Receiving Attack
Chris Olave delivered the most explosive receiving performance in the game.
He caught five passes for 104 yards and one touchdown.
His numbers were:
- 5 receptions
- 8 targets
- 104 yards
- 20.8 yards per reception
- 1 touchdown
- Long reception of 62 yards
The 62-yard reception was especially significant.
Olave averaged 20.8 yards per reception across his five catches. That is the type of production that can dramatically alter field position with only a handful of successful plays.
His eight targets also made him one of the central pieces of the Saints’ passing attack.
Why Olave’s 104 Yards Were So Important
The Saints did not need a huge number of completions from Olave to get major value from his involvement.
Five catches produced 104 yards.
That means his average reception gained more than 20 yards. Carolina’s defense therefore had to account for the possibility of explosive plays whenever Olave was involved.
This is one reason the passing statistics tell a different story from the final score.
The Saints scored only 17 points, but their passing attack created significant chunks of yardage.
Juwan Johnson Provides Another Explosive Performance
Juwan Johnson was another major contributor.
He finished with four receptions for 92 yards and one touchdown on four targets.
His statistical line was:
- 4 receptions
- 4 targets
- 92 yards
- 23.0 yards per reception
- 1 touchdown
- Long reception of 52 yards
Johnson’s 23.0 yards per reception were even higher than Olave’s average.
Together, Olave and Johnson accounted for 196 receiving yards.
That represents a substantial portion of the Saints’ offensive passing production.
It also demonstrates that New Orleans did not rely on one receiver to carry the passing game.
Alvin Kamara’s All-Around Contribution
Alvin Kamara led New Orleans in rushing.
He carried the ball 22 times for 83 yards, averaging 3.8 yards per carry.
His rushing statistics included:
- 22 carries
- 83 yards
- 3.8 yards per carry
- 0 rushing touchdowns
- Longest run of 16 yards
Kamara also caught three passes for 32 yards.
That gave him 115 yards from scrimmage through his rushing and receiving contributions.
His rushing average was not spectacular, but his workload was important. The Saints continued to use him as a primary offensive outlet while the passing game created explosive opportunities.
Kamara’s Role in the Offensive Balance
New Orleans finished with 37 rushing attempts and 28 passing attempts in the team statistics.
That balance helped the Saints maintain multiple ways to attack Carolina.
Kamara’s 22 carries were more than half of the team’s rushing attempts by himself. Even without a rushing touchdown, his workload helped keep the offense from becoming completely dependent on Shough’s arm.
Devin Neal Adds Useful Rushing Production
Devin Neal carried the ball four times for 22 yards.
His average of 5.5 yards per carry was the best among the Saints’ primary ball carriers.
His longest run went for 14 yards.
Neal also caught three passes for nine yards, giving him an additional role in the passing game.
Although his total workload was much smaller than Kamara’s, his rushing efficiency was notable.
Taysom Hill as a Rushing Option
Taysom Hill carried seven times for 20 yards.
His 2.9-yard average was below the team average, but his seven rushing attempts show how New Orleans used him as part of its offensive structure.
His longest run was five yards.
Hill’s value in this game was therefore more about usage and versatility than raw rushing efficiency.
Panthers Rushing Performance
Carolina finished with 23 rushing attempts for 73 yards and one touchdown.
The Panthers averaged 3.2 yards per carry as a team.
Rico Dowdle led the backfield with:
- 18 carries
- 53 yards
- 2.9 yards per carry
- 1 touchdown
- Longest run of 14 yards
Dowdle also caught three passes for 10 yards.
His touchdown was Carolina’s only offensive touchdown of the game.
Chuba Hubbard’s Numbers
Chuba Hubbard received three carries for 14 yards.
That produced a 4.7-yard rushing average, which was better than Dowdle’s average on the day.
He also caught one pass for one yard.
Hubbard’s role was smaller in this game, but his rushing efficiency was comparatively strong.
Bryce Young’s Rushing Contribution
Young carried twice for six yards.
His 3.0-yard average did not make a major difference to the Panthers’ overall rushing attack.
Carolina’s 73 rushing yards were not enough to compensate for the lack of passing production.
Saints Receiving Statistics in Full
The Saints’ receiving distribution was relatively diverse.
| Player | Rec. | Yards | Avg. | TD | Long | Targets |
| Chris Olave | 5 | 104 | 20.8 | 1 | 62 | 8 |
| Juwan Johnson | 4 | 92 | 23.0 | 1 | 52 | 4 |
| Alvin Kamara | 3 | 32 | 10.7 | 0 | 26 | 4 |
| Foster Moreau | 2 | 16 | 8.0 | 0 | 10 | 3 |
| Devaughn Vele | 1 | 15 | 15.0 | 0 | 15 | 3 |
| Zaire Mitchell-Paden | 1 | 14 | 14.0 | 0 | 14 | 3 |
| Devin Neal | 3 | 9 | 3.0 | 0 | 10 | 1 |
| Taysom Hill | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
The distribution shows that the Saints had multiple productive options.
Olave was the biggest yardage producer, while Johnson provided almost as much production with half the targets.
That kind of efficiency makes an offense difficult to defend because the defense cannot focus exclusively on one player.
Panthers Receiving Statistics in Full
Carolina’s receiving numbers were much more conservative.
| Player | Rec. | Yards | Avg. | TD | Long | Targets |
| Tetairoa McMillan | 5 | 60 | 12.0 | 0 | 26 | 8 |
| Ja’Tavion Sanders | 5 | 32 | 6.4 | 0 | 13 | 5 |
| Jalen Coker | 3 | 21 | 7.0 | 0 | 10 | 5 |
| Rico Dowdle | 3 | 10 | 3.3 | 0 | 8 | 4 |
| Chuba Hubbard | 1 | 1 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Xavier Legette | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Mitchell Evans | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Tetairoa McMillan led the Panthers with five receptions for 60 yards.
His eight targets tied Olave for the most targets for either team’s leading receiver.
However, McMillan’s production did not include a touchdown, and Carolina’s passing attack failed to generate the same level of explosive production as New Orleans.
Defensive Player Statistics and Impact
The defensive team statistics provide another important part of the story.
New Orleans recorded:
- 63 total tackles
- 28 solo tackles
- 2 sacks
- 4 tackles for loss
- 4 passes defended
- 3 quarterback hits
- 0 defensive touchdowns
Carolina recorded:
- 76 total tackles
- 41 solo tackles
- 2 sacks
- 6 tackles for loss
- 1 pass defended
- 5 quarterback hits
- 0 defensive touchdowns
At first glance, Carolina’s higher tackle total might look positive.
However, tackle volume does not automatically mean defensive dominance.
A defense can record many tackles because the opposing offense is repeatedly completing passes or advancing the ball before being tackled.
The more revealing difference was in pass defense.
New Orleans recorded four passes defended and intercepted Young once.
Carolina had only one pass defended and no interceptions.
That turnover difference mattered because the Saints finished the game with no interceptions thrown.
Alontae Taylor’s Interception
Alontae Taylor recorded the game’s only interception.
He returned it 11 yards.
The turnover was especially important because Carolina’s offense already had difficulty generating passing yardage.
A turnover removes an offensive possession and creates an opportunity for the opposing team.
In a game that ended with only a 10-point margin, a takeaway can have substantial importance.
Sacks and Quarterback Pressure
Both teams recorded two sacks.
The Saints recorded two sacks for 16 yards lost.
The Panthers also recorded two sacks, but those sacks cost Carolina 22 yards.
The Panthers also registered five quarterback hits compared with three for New Orleans.
This is an interesting example of why pressure statistics need context.
Carolina generated more quarterback hits, yet New Orleans produced much more passing yardage and ultimately won.
Pressure can affect an offense even without producing a sack, but the Saints were more effective at converting their opportunities into a complete defensive result.
Turnovers
Each team lost one fumble.
For New Orleans, Cameron Jordan was credited with one fumble lost, while Pete Werner recorded a fumble recovery.
For Carolina, Bryce Young had one fumble lost, while Damien Lewis recorded a fumble recovery.
New Orleans also recorded the game’s only interception.
Therefore, the turnover profile included:
- Saints: 1 fumble lost
- Panthers: 1 fumble lost
- Saints: 1 interception
- Panthers: 0 interceptions
The Saints therefore had a slight advantage in total defensive takeaways.
Special Teams Statistics
Special teams played a quieter role than the passing game, but the numbers still provide useful context.
Saints Kicking
Blake Grupe made his only field-goal attempt.
His numbers were:
- 1/1 field goals
- 100% field-goal rate
- Longest field goal: 20 yards
- 2/2 extra points
- 5 total points
Those five points accounted for nearly one-third of the Saints’ total score.
Panthers Kicking
Ryan Fitzgerald attempted one field goal but did not make it.
He converted his only extra-point attempt.
His totals were:
- 0/1 field goals
- 0% field-goal rate
- 1/1 extra points
- 1 point
The missed field goal was important because Carolina finished with only seven points.
In a low-scoring game, missed scoring opportunities can become much more significant.
Punting Comparison
Kai Kroeger punted four times for New Orleans.
He recorded:
- 177 total punting yards
- 44.3-yard average
- Longest punt of 54 yards
- 3 punts inside the 20
- 0 touchbacks
Sam Martin punted four times for Carolina.
His numbers were:
- 204 total punting yards
- 51.0-yard average
- Longest punt of 59 yards
- 2 punts inside the 20
- 0 touchbacks
Martin had the higher raw average, but Kroeger placed more punts inside the 20.
That distinction matters because punting is not solely about distance. Field position is often the more useful measure.
Kick Return and Punt Return Numbers
Dante Pettis recorded one kickoff return for 31 yards for the Saints.
He also had two punt returns for eight yards.
Carolina generated more kickoff-return yardage.
Chuba Hubbard recorded three kick returns for 78 yards, averaging 26.0 yards per return.
Trevor Etienne added one return for 30 yards.
The Panthers finished with:
- 4 kick returns
- 108 yards
- 27.0-yard average
- Longest return of 30 yards
Etienne also returned two punts for 15 yards.
Despite Carolina’s stronger kickoff-return numbers, the advantage did not translate into enough offensive production.
The Biggest Statistical Difference: Passing Efficiency
The clearest difference in the New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats was passing efficiency.
The Saints produced 266 team passing yards.
The Panthers produced 102.
That is a difference of 164 passing yards.
The Saints also threw two touchdowns without an interception.
Carolina threw no touchdowns and one interception.
That combination is difficult to overcome.
New Orleans also had two receivers surpass 90 yards. Carolina’s leading receiver finished with 60 yards.
The Saints therefore created both greater volume and greater explosiveness through the passing game.
The Second Major Difference: Explosive Plays
Olave’s 62-yard reception and Johnson’s 52-yard reception were two of the game’s biggest individual plays.
Those two receptions alone produced 114 yards.
That is almost as much as Carolina’s entire team passing total after sack yardage.
This is a powerful reminder that explosive plays can change a football game quickly.
Carolina’s passing attack had completions, but it lacked enough plays that dramatically changed field position.
The Third Major Difference: Finishing Drives
The Panthers scored on their opening touchdown drive but then failed to score again.
New Orleans scored in three different quarters.
The Saints’ scoring sequence was:
- Field goal
- Touchdown
- Touchdown
Carolina’s sequence was:
- Touchdown
- No additional points
This shows that the Saints were more consistent at converting offensive opportunities into points as the game progressed.
What the Stats Say About Each Offense
The Saints’ offensive profile was balanced but clearly tilted toward explosive passing.
They ran the ball 37 times for 122 yards while recording 266 team passing yards.
The Panthers ran 23 times for 73 yards and produced only 102 team passing yards.
New Orleans therefore had advantages in both major offensive categories.
The Saints had:
- 49 more rushing yards
- 164 more passing yards
- 2 more passing touchdowns
- No interceptions thrown
Carolina’s one rushing touchdown kept the scoreboard competitive, but the overall yardage gap was significant.
What the Stats Say About Each Defense
Neither defense produced a dominant sack total, with both teams recording two.
The difference came from how each defense limited the opposing offense.
New Orleans held Carolina to:
- 102 team passing yards
- 73 rushing yards
- 7 total points
- 1 passing interception
Carolina’s defense held New Orleans to 17 points, which was respectable.
However, allowing 282 individual receiving yards and 266 team passing yards created too many opportunities for the Saints.
The Panthers defense was therefore better at limiting the scoreboard than limiting offensive production.
Why the Final Score Can Be Misleading
A 17-7 final score can make the game appear evenly matched.
The player statistics tell a different story.
New Orleans generated substantially more passing production and had more explosive plays.
Carolina’s offense was limited to 175 combined rushing and team passing yards before considering the precise way individual and team passing figures are recorded.
The Saints’ offense had considerably more production through the air while also gaining 122 rushing yards.
This does not mean every individual Saints player outperformed every Panthers player.
It means the Saints collectively created more efficient offensive possessions.
Most Important Saints Performers
Several players stood out in the statistical profile.
Tyler Shough
Shough was the most important player from a quarterback perspective.
His 19-for-27 passing line, 282 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions provided the foundation for the victory.
Chris Olave
Olave led the Saints with 104 receiving yards and one touchdown.
His 62-yard reception was one of the biggest plays of the game.
Juwan Johnson
Johnson’s four catches produced 92 yards and a touchdown.
His 23.0 yards per reception showed exceptional big-play efficiency.
Alvin Kamara
Kamara led New Orleans with 83 rushing yards and added 32 receiving yards.
His combined contribution helped maintain offensive balance.
Alontae Taylor
Taylor recorded the game’s only interception.
That turnover helped the Saints limit Carolina’s ability to build offensive momentum.
Most Important Panthers Performers
The Panthers also had individual contributors worth highlighting.
Rico Dowdle
Dowdle led Carolina in rushing with 53 yards and scored the Panthers’ only touchdown.
Tetairoa McMillan
McMillan led Carolina in receiving with 60 yards on five receptions.
He also received eight targets.
Ja’Tavion Sanders
Sanders caught five passes for 32 yards.
His five receptions tied McMillan for the most catches on the Panthers.
Chuba Hubbard
Hubbard averaged 4.7 yards per carry on his three rushing attempts and added 78 kickoff-return yards.
His special teams contribution was one of Carolina’s more productive areas.
New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats: Key Takeaways
The most important conclusions from the statistics are straightforward.
First, the Saints won the passing battle decisively.
Second, Tyler Shough protected the football while producing two touchdown passes.
Third, Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson combined for 196 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Fourth, Alvin Kamara supplied the Saints with a significant rushing workload and 115 combined rushing and receiving yards.
Fifth, Carolina’s offense became increasingly ineffective after its opening touchdown.
Sixth, Bryce Young finished with 124 passing yards, no passing touchdowns, and one interception.
Seventh, New Orleans produced four defended passes and one interception, while Carolina recorded only one defended pass.
Finally, special teams gave Carolina some useful field-position contributions, but those advantages were not enough to overcome the offensive gap.
How to Read These Player Statistics Correctly
When analyzing an NFL box score, it is tempting to focus only on touchdowns, passing yards, and rushing totals.
A better approach is to connect several categories.
For quarterbacks, consider:
- Completion percentage
- Passing yards
- Yards per attempt
- Touchdowns
- Interceptions
- Sacks
- QBR
- Passer rating
For running backs, consider:
- Carries
- Yards per carry
- Longest run
- Touchdowns
- Receiving contribution
For receivers, consider:
- Targets
- Receptions
- Receiving yards
- Yards per reception
- Touchdowns
- Longest reception
For defenses, examine:
- Sacks
- Quarterback hits
- Tackles for loss
- Passes defended
- Interceptions
- Fumbles recovered
Looking at these categories together gives a much more reliable understanding of performance than any single statistic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Saints vs Panthers game on November 9, 2025?
The New Orleans Saints defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-7 on November 9, 2025.
How many passing yards did Tyler Shough have?
Tyler Shough completed 19 of 27 passes for 282 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Who was the Saints’ leading receiver?
Chris Olave led New Orleans with five receptions for 104 yards and one touchdown. His longest reception was 62 yards.
Who led the Panthers in receiving?
Tetairoa McMillan led Carolina with five receptions for 60 yards on eight targets.
Who led the Saints in rushing?
Alvin Kamara led New Orleans with 22 carries for 83 yards, averaging 3.8 yards per carry.
How many touchdowns did the Panthers score?
Carolina scored one touchdown, a rushing touchdown by Rico Dowdle. The Panthers did not throw a touchdown pass.
Conclusion
The New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats show that New Orleans earned its 17-7 victory through superior passing efficiency, explosive receiving production, and timely defensive plays.
Tyler Shough completed 19 of 27 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Chris Olave produced 104 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Juwan Johnson added 92 yards and another touchdown. Alvin Kamara provided a steady rushing presence with 83 yards on 22 carries and added 32 receiving yards.
Carolina had useful individual performances from Rico Dowdle, who scored the team’s only touchdown, and Tetairoa McMillan, who led the Panthers with 60 receiving yards. However, the Panthers’ offense struggled to maintain production after the first quarter.
The biggest statistical difference was the passing game. New Orleans finished with 266 team passing yards compared with 102 for Carolina. The Saints also produced two passing touchdowns without an interception, while the Panthers managed no passing touchdowns and threw one interception.
The defensive numbers reinforce the same conclusion. New Orleans recorded two sacks, four passes defended, and the game’s only interception. Carolina also recorded two sacks, but its defense allowed several explosive plays that ultimately created the difference on the scoreboard.
For anyone studying the New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats, the central lesson is that the game was not decided by one isolated statistic. It was the combination of quarterback efficiency, explosive receiving, rushing volume, turnover impact, and Carolina’s inability to sustain scoring opportunities that produced the final result.