New Orleans Saints vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats
The new orleans saints vs miami dolphins match player stats from November 30, 2025 tell a much more detailed story than the final 21-17 score alone. Miami Dolphins defeated the New Orleans Saints at home, but the game was not simply a comfortable Dolphins victory. New Orleans finished strongly after being held scoreless through the first half, while Miami built its advantage through efficient rushing, field goals, and timely defensive plays.
The final score was Miami Dolphins 21, New Orleans Saints 17, with the Saints scoring all 17 of their points in the second half. Miami, meanwhile, built a 16-0 advantage during the opening two quarters before New Orleans responded with 8 points in the third quarter and another 9 in the fourth.
For anyone studying individual performance, the numbers reveal several important details. De’Von Achane was the game’s standout rushing threat with 134 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Tyler Shough produced 239 passing yards and two touchdown passes for New Orleans, while Devaughn Vele led the Saints receiving group with 93 yards and a touchdown. On defense, Miami linebacker Jordyn Brooks recorded 12 tackles, while New Orleans veteran Demario Davis finished with 9.
This statistical breakdown looks beyond the headline score to explain how the game developed, which players made the biggest impact, and what the box score says about the strengths and weaknesses of both teams.
New Orleans Saints vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The matchup took place on November 30, 2025. Miami entered the contest with a 4-7 overall record according to the supplied game data, while New Orleans was 2-9 before the result. After the game, the records listed in the supplied data were Miami 5-7 overall and 4-3 at home, while New Orleans moved to 2-10 overall and 1-5 on the road.
The Dolphins won by four points, but the scoring pattern is one of the most interesting parts of the game.
Final Score
| Team | 1st Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 3rd Quarter | 4th Quarter | Final |
| New Orleans Saints | 0 | 0 | 8 | 9 | 17 |
| Miami Dolphins | 7 | 9 | 0 | 5 | 21 |
Miami’s 16-0 halftime lead proved decisive.
New Orleans did not score during either of the first two quarters, but the Saints changed the game after halftime. Their 17 second-half points cut the Dolphins’ lead to four by the final whistle.
That makes the game particularly useful for player-stat analysis because the raw totals do not tell the whole story. New Orleans’ offense generated considerably more passing production than Miami, yet Miami controlled the game with a stronger rushing attack and consistent kicking production.
Tyler Shough’s Passing Performance
Tyler Shough was the central figure in New Orleans’ passing offense.
He completed 26 of 38 attempts for 239 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per attempt. He threw two touchdown passes and one interception, while being sacked four times for a total loss of 26 yards.
His reported passing line was:
- Completions: 26
- Attempts: 38
- Completion rate: approximately 68.4%
- Passing yards: 239
- Average: 6.3 yards per attempt
- Touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 1
- Sacks: 4
- Sack yards lost: 26
- QBR: 29.8
- Passer rating: 91.9
The completion percentage stands out because Shough consistently connected with his receivers. A 26-for-38 performance represents a solid volume of completed passes, particularly considering New Orleans was forced to play from behind for most of the game.
However, the four sacks and interception were costly.
The most important distinction is between passing production and overall offensive efficiency. Shough generated 239 passing yards, but the Saints’ entire rushing attack produced only 81 yards. That placed substantial responsibility on the quarterback and passing game.
His two touchdown passes were also responsible for a large portion of New Orleans’ comeback.
Shough’s Role in the Second-Half Comeback
New Orleans’ offense clearly became more productive after halftime. The Saints scored 8 points in the third quarter and 9 in the fourth, turning a 16-point deficit into a four-point final margin.
Shough’s ability to produce two touchdown passes was essential to that comeback.
Still, the interception and four sacks demonstrate why the Saints could not completely overcome Miami’s early advantage. Against a team that had already established a lead, every lost possession or negative play carried greater importance.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Passing Numbers
Tua Tagovailoa had a quieter statistical game than Shough.
The Miami quarterback completed 12 of 23 passes for 157 yards, averaging 6.8 yards per attempt. He finished without a passing touchdown and threw one interception.
His passing statistics were:
- Completions: 12
- Attempts: 23
- Completion rate: approximately 52.2%
- Passing yards: 157
- Average: 6.8 yards per attempt
- Touchdowns: 0
- Interceptions: 1
- Sacks: 4
- Sack yards lost: 23
- QBR: 9.5
- Passer rating: 55.9
On the surface, those numbers favor Shough significantly. The Saints quarterback completed more passes, threw for 82 more yards, and produced two touchdown passes.
Yet Miami won.
That contrast is one of the clearest lessons from this game: quarterback passing statistics do not always determine the winner. Miami was able to take pressure away from its passing game by running the ball effectively and converting opportunities through its kicking unit.
De’Von Achane Was the Offensive Standout
The most dominant individual statistical performance belonged to De’Von Achane.
Achane carried the ball 22 times for 134 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. He scored one rushing touchdown and recorded a long run of 29 yards.
His rushing line:
- Carries: 22
- Rushing yards: 134
- Average: 6.1 yards per carry
- Touchdowns: 1
- Long: 29 yards
Achane’s 134 rushing yards were more than half of Miami’s total offensive yardage through the ground and represented a major advantage over New Orleans’ rushing production.
The efficiency matters just as much as the volume. Achane averaged 6.1 yards every time he carried the ball. That allowed Miami to create manageable situations without requiring Tagovailoa to throw frequently.
Why Achane’s Performance Mattered
Miami ran the ball 32 times for 164 yards.
That means the Dolphins averaged 5.1 yards per team rushing attempt, compared with New Orleans’ 3.0 yards per carry.
The difference was substantial.
Miami gained 83 more rushing yards than New Orleans. In a four-point game, that type of advantage can be decisive.
Achane also provided the Dolphins with a genuine explosive-play threat. His 29-yard long run was the longest rushing play listed in the supplied statistics for either team.
Devin Neal and the Saints Rushing Attack
New Orleans struggled to establish the same level of rushing efficiency.
Devin Neal led the Saints with 14 carries for 47 yards, averaging 3.4 yards per carry. He did not score a rushing touchdown, and his longest run was 8 yards.
The Saints’ team rushing numbers were:
- 27 carries
- 81 yards
- 3.0 yards per carry
- 0 rushing touchdowns
- Long: 8 yards
The difference between Neal’s 47 yards and Achane’s 134 yards was 87 yards.
That is a significant gap from two individual players in the same game.
New Orleans’ inability to consistently generate positive rushing plays placed more pressure on Shough. The Saints ultimately attempted 38 passes, compared with Miami’s 23.
This is one of the strongest statistical explanations for the final result.
Devaughn Vele Led the Saints Receiving Corps
Devaughn Vele was New Orleans’ leading receiver.
He finished with 8 receptions for 93 yards and one touchdown on 8 targets. His average was 11.6 yards per reception, with a longest reception of 15 yards.
His line included:
- Receptions: 8
- Targets: 8
- Receiving yards: 93
- Average: 11.6 yards per reception
- Touchdowns: 1
- Long: 15 yards
Vele was especially important because New Orleans needed reliable production through the air while playing from behind.
An eight-target, eight-reception performance shows that he was consistently involved in the passing plan. His 93 yards represented a substantial share of the Saints’ 239 passing yards.
He also scored one of New Orleans’ two passing touchdowns, making him a direct contributor to the second-half comeback.
Darren Waller’s Miami Receiving Performance
Darren Waller led Miami’s receiving statistics despite limited volume.
He recorded 2 receptions for 47 yards on 3 targets, averaging 23.5 yards per reception. His longest catch covered 34 yards.
His numbers were:
- Receptions: 2
- Targets: 3
- Receiving yards: 47
- Average: 23.5 yards per reception
- Touchdowns: 0
- Long: 34 yards
The contrast with Vele is notable.
Vele produced more receptions and more total yards, while Waller produced more yards per catch. Waller’s 34-yard reception was the longest catch listed for Miami and helped give the Dolphins an element of big-play production despite their limited passing volume.
Team Passing Comparison
The passing statistics show a clear advantage for New Orleans in volume.
| Passing Category | Saints | Dolphins |
| Completions | 26 | 12 |
| Attempts | 38 | 23 |
| Passing Yards | 239 | 157 |
| Yards per Attempt | 6.3 | 6.8 |
| Passing TDs | 2 | 0 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 1 |
| Sacks | 4 | 4 |
New Orleans completed 14 more passes and produced 82 more passing yards.
However, Miami averaged slightly more yards per attempt.
The key takeaway is that the Dolphins did not need to win the passing-volume battle. Their offensive formula was built around the ground game, where they held a commanding advantage.
Team Rushing Comparison
The rushing statistics were arguably the biggest offensive separator.
| Rushing Category | Saints | Dolphins |
| Carries | 27 | 32 |
| Yards | 81 | 164 |
| Average | 3.0 | 5.1 |
| Rushing TDs | 0 | 1 |
| Long | 8 | 29 |
Miami gained exactly 83 more rushing yards.
The Dolphins also recorded the only rushing touchdown in the game.
This balance helped Miami protect its early lead. Once the Dolphins established a 16-0 advantage, they could rely more heavily on their rushing attack rather than asking Tagovailoa to carry the offense through the air.
For New Orleans, the opposite situation developed. The Saints needed to throw because they were behind, but the lack of rushing efficiency made their offensive approach more predictable.
Defensive Player Stats
Defense played an important role on both sides.
Demario Davis Leads New Orleans
Demario Davis led the Saints with 9 total tackles, including 5 solo tackles.
New Orleans recorded:
- 66 total tackles
- 34 solo tackles
- 4 sacks
- 7 tackles for loss
- 3 passes defended
- 6 quarterback hits
Kool-Aid McKinstry also recorded an interception for New Orleans.
The four sacks and six quarterback hits indicate that the Saints were capable of creating pressure. However, Miami’s ability to sustain enough offensive production early in the game prevented those defensive plays from becoming a decisive advantage.
Jordyn Brooks Leads Miami
Jordyn Brooks led Miami with 12 tackles, including 6 solo tackles.
Miami’s defensive totals were:
- 79 total tackles
- 42 solo tackles
- 4 sacks
- 5 tackles for loss
- 6 passes defended
- 8 quarterback hits
Rasul Douglas recorded Miami’s interception and returned it 38 yards.
The Dolphins therefore matched New Orleans’ four sacks while producing two additional quarterback hits and more total tackles.
The defensive numbers show that Miami was active around the football, especially while New Orleans attempted to mount its comeback.
Turnovers and Their Importance
Turnovers are often decisive in close games, and this matchup featured an interception for each team.
New Orleans recorded an interception through Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Miami recorded an interception through Rasul Douglas, who returned it 38 yards.
The Saints also had a fumble charged to Tyler Shough that was lost. Tagovailoa had one fumble but did not lose it, while Zach Sieler was credited with a fumble recovery.
This created an important difference in possession security.
New Orleans’ combination of an interception and lost fumble gave Miami additional opportunities. In a game ultimately decided by four points, those possessions mattered.
Kicking Was a Major Difference
Miami’s kicking performance was excellent.
Riley Patterson converted:
- 4 of 4 field goals
- 1 of 1 extra points
- Long field goal: 48 yards
- Total points: 13
Patterson’s 13 points represented more than half of Miami’s 21 points.
That is one of the most important details in the entire box score.
Miami did not rely exclusively on touchdowns. Its kicking game repeatedly converted scoring opportunities, allowing the Dolphins to build their first-half advantage.
New Orleans kicker Charlie Smyth made his only field-goal attempt, a 56-yard field goal, for 3 points.
Smyth’s kick was longer than Patterson’s longest successful attempt, but Miami had four successful field goals compared with one for New Orleans.
That five-field-goal difference in attempts made a major contribution to the final margin.
Special Teams and Field Position
New Orleans’ kick-return unit was productive.
Mason Tipton returned two kicks for 58 yards, averaging 29.0 yards per return, with a long of 36 yards. Dante Pettis added two returns for 47 yards, averaging 23.5 yards per return.
The Saints finished with:
- 4 kick returns
- 105 return yards
- 26.3-yard average
- 36-yard long
Pettis also returned two punts for 12 yards.
Miami’s Malik Washington recorded two kick returns for 45 yards, averaging 22.5 yards per return, with a long of 25 yards. He also returned one punt for 5 yards.
These numbers suggest New Orleans received useful field-position contributions from its return game, although that advantage was not enough to overcome Miami’s offensive and kicking efficiency.
Punting Comparison
Both punters produced strong average figures.
Kai Kroeger punted six times for New Orleans for 293 yards. His average was 48.8 yards, with a long of 60 yards. Three punts landed inside the 20-yard line, while one resulted in a touchback.
Jake Bailey punted four times for Miami for 201 yards. His average was 50.3 yards, with a long of 54 yards. Two punts landed inside the 20, and he had no touchbacks.
Bailey had the higher average, but Kroeger produced more total punt yards and more punts inside the 20.
Punting was not the primary reason Miami won, but both teams received solid work from their punters.
The Biggest Statistical Mismatch
If one statistic best explains the game, it is the rushing differential.
Miami:
32 carries, 164 yards, 5.1 average
New Orleans:
27 carries, 81 yards, 3.0 average
That is an 83-yard advantage for Miami.
The Dolphins also had the leading rusher of the game in Achane, who generated 134 yards himself.
Meanwhile, New Orleans had to rely much more heavily on Shough’s arm.
This created an unusual statistical profile in which the losing quarterback produced substantially more passing volume and yardage than the winning quarterback.
The game demonstrates why evaluating football through one category can be misleading. Passing yards, completion percentage, and touchdown passes are useful, but rushing efficiency, turnovers, sacks, kicking, and game situation all influence the final result.
How Miami Built Its 16-0 Halftime Lead
Miami scored 7 points in the first quarter and another 9 in the second.
New Orleans scored zero.
That 16-point gap became the foundation of the victory.
The Dolphins did not need an explosive passing performance to create that advantage. Instead, they combined rushing production with four successful field goals from Patterson.
Once Miami established control, New Orleans had to change its offensive approach.
The Saints’ second-half scoring shows that they were capable of moving the ball, but the comeback began too late.
This is an important distinction when evaluating player performance. A player can produce strong numbers while his team still loses because those numbers may come after the opponent has already created a difficult game state.
How New Orleans Nearly Completed the Comeback
The Saints’ 17 second-half points changed the tone of the game.
They scored 8 points in the third quarter and 9 in the fourth. Miami, which had scored 16 points before halftime, managed only 5 points after the break.
That means New Orleans outscored Miami 17-5 in the second half.
Yet Miami still won.
The explanation is simple: the Dolphins’ first-half advantage was large enough to survive the comeback.
Shough’s two touchdown passes and Vele’s receiving production were central to New Orleans’ late push. The Saints also generated defensive pressure and an interception.
But the early deficit required near-perfect second-half execution, and the Saints ultimately fell four points short.
What the Player Stats Say About Each Team
New Orleans Saints
The Saints’ statistics suggest a team that became more effective as the game progressed but struggled to create enough offensive balance.
The positives included:
- 239 passing yards
- 26 completions
- Two passing touchdowns
- Eight catches for Vele
- Four defensive sacks
- An interception from McKinstry
- Strong kick-return production
- A successful 56-yard field goal
The concerns included:
- Only 81 rushing yards
- 3.0 yards per rushing attempt
- Four sacks allowed
- One interception
- One lost fumble
- No first-half points
The biggest improvement area from this particular box score is offensive balance. A stronger running game could have reduced the burden on Shough and potentially created more manageable passing situations.
Miami Dolphins
Miami’s statistical profile was different.
The positives included:
- 164 rushing yards
- 5.1 yards per carry
- Achane’s 134-yard rushing performance
- One rushing touchdown
- Four successful field goals
- Four sacks
- Eight quarterback hits
- 12 tackles from Brooks
- An interception from Douglas
The biggest concern was the passing game.
Tagovailoa completed only 12 of 23 passes for 157 yards and did not throw a touchdown. His 55.9 passer rating and 9.5 QBR were both modest.
Yet Miami did enough elsewhere to win.
That is a useful reminder that a team does not necessarily need outstanding quarterback statistics to win when its rushing game, defense, and kicking game compensate effectively.
A Closer Look at Offensive Efficiency
The game can be understood as a contest between two different offensive approaches.
New Orleans leaned heavily toward passing:
- 38 pass attempts
- 26 completions
- 239 passing yards
- 27 rushing attempts
- 81 rushing yards
Miami was more balanced toward the ground:
- 23 pass attempts
- 12 completions
- 157 passing yards
- 32 rushing attempts
- 164 rushing yards
New Orleans attempted 15 more passes than Miami.
Miami attempted five more rushes than New Orleans.
That difference reflects the game situation. The Saints were chasing the scoreboard, while Miami spent much of the game protecting its lead.
Why the Final Score Was Only Four Points
A 21-17 score can look extremely competitive, and the second-half numbers confirm that New Orleans made it competitive.
But the game was not evenly controlled from start to finish.
Miami led 16-0 at halftime.
New Orleans then won the second-half scoring battle 17-5.
The four-point final margin therefore hides a major swing in game momentum.
From a statistical perspective, the Dolphins’ victory was built early, while the Saints’ strongest period came late.
That distinction matters when using these numbers for player evaluation. A box score captures totals, but it does not always capture when those statistics occurred.
Most Important Players From the Game
Several players deserve special attention based on the supplied numbers.
De’Von Achane
Achane was arguably the most influential offensive player.
His 134 rushing yards, 6.1-yard average, 29-yard long run, and rushing touchdown gave Miami the ground-game advantage it needed.
Tyler Shough
Shough produced 239 yards and two touchdown passes. His 26 completions kept the Saints’ comeback alive, although the interception, lost fumble, and four sacks were costly.
Devaughn Vele
Vele was New Orleans’ most productive receiver with 93 yards and a touchdown on eight receptions.
Jordyn Brooks
Brooks led all listed defenders with 12 tackles and helped Miami maintain defensive pressure.
Demario Davis
Davis led New Orleans with nine tackles and remained one of the Saints’ most active defensive players.
Riley Patterson
Patterson’s four field goals and extra point produced 13 points, making him a crucial contributor to Miami’s four-point victory.
What Fans Should Take From the Box Score
For fans searching specifically for the new orleans saints vs miami dolphins match player stats, the most important lesson is that no single statistic explains this game.
The Saints won several passing categories.
Miami won the rushing battle.
Both teams recorded four sacks.
Each defense produced an interception.
Miami’s kicker made four field goals.
New Orleans’ passing game became much more productive after halftime.
Those pieces combined to produce a 21-17 Dolphins victory.
The most useful way to interpret the box score is therefore to connect individual numbers with game context.
Shough’s 239 passing yards were meaningful because New Orleans was forced to throw while trailing.
Achane’s 134 rushing yards were meaningful because Miami used the running game to control the game and support its early lead.
Patterson’s 13 kicking points were meaningful because Miami converted scoring opportunities without needing passing touchdowns.
Vele’s 93 receiving yards were meaningful because he helped New Orleans generate its second-half comeback.
Brooks’ 12 tackles were meaningful because Miami needed defensive activity while the Saints were attempting to erase the deficit.
Statistical Summary
Here is a compact overview of the most important player numbers.
| Player | Team | Key Statistics |
| Tyler Shough | Saints | 26/38, 239 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT |
| Devin Neal | Saints | 14 carries, 47 yards |
| Devaughn Vele | Saints | 8 receptions, 93 yards, 1 TD |
| Demario Davis | Saints | 9 tackles, 5 solo |
| Kool-Aid McKinstry | Saints | 1 interception |
| Charlie Smyth | Saints | 1/1 FG, long 56 |
| Tua Tagovailoa | Dolphins | 12/23, 157 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT |
| De’Von Achane | Dolphins | 22 carries, 134 yards, 1 TD |
| Darren Waller | Dolphins | 2 receptions, 47 yards |
| Jordyn Brooks | Dolphins | 12 tackles, 6 solo |
| Rasul Douglas | Dolphins | 1 interception, 38 return yards |
| Riley Patterson | Dolphins | 4/4 FG, 1/1 XP, 13 points |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Saints vs Dolphins game on November 30, 2025?
The Miami Dolphins defeated the New Orleans Saints 21-17 on November 30, 2025.
Who was the leading rusher in the game?
Miami’s De’Von Achane was the leading rusher. He finished with 134 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
How did Tyler Shough perform against Miami?
Tyler Shough completed 26 of 38 passes for 239 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. He was also sacked four times.
Who led the Saints in receiving?
Devaughn Vele led New Orleans with 8 receptions for 93 yards and one touchdown.
Who led Miami in tackles?
Jordyn Brooks led the Dolphins with 12 tackles, including six solo tackles.
Which team had the better rushing performance?
Miami had the stronger rushing attack. The Dolphins ran for 164 yards on 32 attempts, while New Orleans produced 81 yards on 27 attempts.
Conclusion
The new orleans saints vs miami dolphins match player stats show a game decided by balance rather than one overwhelming passing performance.
New Orleans produced more passing yards, more completions, and two passing touchdowns. Tyler Shough and Devaughn Vele were major contributors to the Saints’ second-half comeback.
Miami answered with a much stronger rushing attack. De’Von Achane’s 134 yards were the centerpiece of that production, while the Dolphins’ 164 total rushing yards gave them an 83-yard advantage on the ground.
The kicking game was another major difference. Riley Patterson converted all four of his field-goal attempts and added an extra point for 13 total points. Those points helped Miami establish a 16-0 halftime lead that ultimately survived New Orleans’ second-half surge.
Defensively, both teams recorded four sacks and one interception. Jordyn Brooks led Miami with 12 tackles, while Demario Davis led New Orleans with nine.
The final 21-17 score therefore reflects a game of contrasting strengths. New Orleans had the stronger passing production and a dramatic second-half response, while Miami controlled the early stages through rushing efficiency, defensive pressure, and reliable kicking.
For anyone reviewing the new orleans saints vs miami dolphins match player stats, the clearest takeaway is that Miami’s victory was built on complementary football. The Dolphins did not need a big passing day from Tagovailoa because Achane’s rushing performance, Patterson’s field goals, and an active defense supplied the production necessary to protect the early lead.
The Saints demonstrated resilience, but their slow start and limited rushing production left them with too much ground to recover. Their 17-point second half was impressive, but Miami’s first-half advantage ultimately proved decisive.
