New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats
New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats from the November 9, 2025 matchup tell a much clearer story than the 17-7 final score alone. New Orleans finished with 282 passing yards, 122 rushing yards, two passing touchdowns and no interceptions from its primary quarterback, while Carolina managed only 124 total passing yards and scored its only touchdown on the ground. The Saints also produced an important defensive turnover through Alontae Taylor, helping them control the game after falling behind in the opening quarter.
The final score was New Orleans 17, Carolina 7. The Saints entered the game at 2-8 overall and 1-4 on the road, while Carolina entered at 5-5 with a 3-2 home record. Although Carolina opened the contest with a 7-3 first quarter, New Orleans responded with seven points in the second quarter and another seven in the fourth. Neither team scored in the third quarter.
For readers looking beyond the scoreboard, this matchup offers several useful statistical angles. Tyler Shough’s efficient passing performance, Chris Olave’s 104 receiving yards, Juwan Johnson’s explosive 92-yard contribution, Alvin Kamara’s workload, and New Orleans’ defensive pressure all played meaningful roles. On the Carolina side, Bryce Young faced a difficult passing night, while Rico Dowdle provided the team’s lone rushing touchdown.
New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The Saints won 17-7, but the statistical profile shows that the victory was built primarily through passing efficiency, explosive receiving plays, and defensive disruption.
The game followed an unusual scoring pattern. Carolina led 7-3 after the first quarter, but New Orleans shut the Panthers out in the second quarter while scoring seven points of its own. The third quarter was scoreless, and the Saints added another seven points in the fourth quarter.
Final Score by Quarter
| Quarter | New Orleans Saints | Carolina Panthers |
| First | 3 | 7 |
| Second | 7 | 0 |
| Third | 0 | 0 |
| Fourth | 7 | 0 |
| Final | 17 | 7 |
The quarter-by-quarter scoring is important because it shows that New Orleans did not win through an explosive start. Instead, the Saints recovered from an early deficit and gradually took control.
Carolina’s seven points in the first quarter represented its only scoring production of the game. New Orleans then held the Panthers scoreless for the final three quarters.
That defensive consistency became one of the defining statistical features of the matchup.
Tyler Shough Leads the Saints Passing Attack
Tyler Shough was the most productive passer in the game. He completed 19 of 27 attempts for 282 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. His listed passer rating was 128.9.
Those numbers stand out because Shough combined volume with efficiency. He attempted 27 passes and completed 19, giving him a completion rate of approximately 70.4 percent. His 282 passing yards also accounted for the entirety of New Orleans’ listed 282 passing yards.
The two touchdown passes were particularly significant because Carolina scored only seven points in the entire contest.
Shough’s performance can be understood through three important statistical measures:
- 19 completions on 27 attempts
- 282 passing yards
- 2 touchdowns with 0 interceptions
The lack of an interception was especially valuable. Carolina did not record a defensive interception, while New Orleans recorded one against Bryce Young.
Taysom Hill also attempted one pass for New Orleans. He finished 0-for-1 with zero yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions, with a listed rating of 39.6. His passing contribution was therefore minimal compared with Shough’s workload.
From a statistical perspective, New Orleans’ passing game created the biggest difference between the teams.
Bryce Young Faces a Difficult Passing Performance
Bryce Young completed 17 of 25 passes for 124 yards, with zero touchdowns and one interception. His listed passer rating was 62.8.
His completion percentage was 68.0 percent, which looks respectable in isolation. The more revealing figure is the limited yardage output. Young averaged just 4.96 yards per passing attempt based on the supplied numbers.
That created a major contrast with Shough.
| Passing Statistic | Tyler Shough | Bryce Young |
| Completions | 19 | 17 |
| Attempts | 27 | 25 |
| Completion Rate | 70.4% | 68.0% |
| Passing Yards | 282 | 124 |
| Touchdowns | 2 | 0 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 1 |
| Rating | 128.9 | 62.8 |
The difference in passing yardage was 158 yards. New Orleans also had two passing touchdowns compared with none for Carolina.
Young’s interception became particularly important because New Orleans converted its defensive pressure and coverage into a takeaway. Alontae Taylor recorded the Saints’ interception and returned it 11 yards.
The statistical lesson is that completion percentage alone does not explain quarterback performance. In this matchup, the Saints generated substantially more production per successful pass.
Chris Olave Produces the Biggest Receiving Performance
Chris Olave was the leading receiver for New Orleans and one of the most influential individual players in the game.
Olave caught five passes for 104 yards and one touchdown. His average was 20.8 yards per reception, and his longest reception covered 62 yards.
That 62-yard long reception demonstrates how much explosive-play potential existed in the Saints’ passing attack.
Olave’s five receptions represented only part of New Orleans’ passing distribution, but his 104 yards made him the team’s leading receiver. His one touchdown also directly contributed to the Saints’ 17-point total.
The most important figures from his receiving line were:
- 5 receptions
- 104 receiving yards
- 20.8 yards per reception
- 1 touchdown
- 62-yard long reception
An average above 20 yards per reception is particularly notable because it means Olave did not simply accumulate short completions. His production included significant downfield yardage.
Juwan Johnson Adds Another Explosive Receiving Threat
Juwan Johnson produced another highly efficient receiving performance for New Orleans.
He finished with four receptions for 92 yards and one touchdown. His average was 23.0 yards per reception, with a long reception of 52 yards.
Johnson actually posted a higher yards-per-reception average than Olave. His four catches produced 92 yards, meaning he averaged 23 yards every time he made a reception.
Together, Olave and Johnson accounted for 196 receiving yards.
That is a substantial portion of New Orleans’ 282 passing yards.
| Saints Receiver | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
| Chris Olave | 5 | 104 | 20.8 | 1 | 62 |
| Juwan Johnson | 4 | 92 | 23.0 | 1 | 52 |
| Other Saints receivers | 10 | 86 | 8.6 combined | 0 | Not supplied |
| Saints total | 19 | 282 | 14.8 | 2 | 62 |
The combination of Olave and Johnson gave New Orleans two reliable sources of explosive production. It also helps explain why the Saints were able to generate 282 passing yards despite completing only 19 passes.
Carolina’s Receiving Production Was More Limited
Tetairoa McMillan led Carolina’s receiving group with five receptions for 60 yards. He averaged 12.0 yards per reception and recorded a 26-yard long reception.
Ja’Tavion Sanders also caught five passes, but his production was more modest. He finished with 32 yards, averaging 6.4 yards per reception.
The Panthers finished with 17 receptions for 124 yards and no receiving touchdowns.
| Panthers Receiver | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD |
| Tetairoa McMillan | 5 | 60 | 12.0 | 0 |
| Ja’Tavion Sanders | 5 | 32 | 6.4 | 0 |
| Carolina total | 17 | 124 | 7.3 | 0 |
The difference between Carolina’s 7.3 yards per reception and New Orleans’ 14.8 yards per reception is one of the clearest statistical indicators of the game.
Carolina completed 17 passes, only two fewer than New Orleans. Yet the Panthers gained less than half of New Orleans’ passing yardage.
That distinction matters because it shows the Saints were much more productive on their successful passing plays.
Alvin Kamara Provides a Heavy Rushing Workload
Alvin Kamara led New Orleans in rushing with 22 carries for 83 yards. He averaged 3.8 yards per carry, recorded no rushing touchdowns and had a longest run of 16 yards.
Kamara’s workload represented 22 of the Saints’ 37 rushing attempts.
New Orleans finished with 37 carries for 122 yards, averaging 3.3 yards per attempt.
Kamara therefore handled nearly 60 percent of the Saints’ rushing attempts. His role was not necessarily defined by huge individual runs, but by volume and consistency.
His 83 rushing yards represented a large portion of New Orleans’ ground production.
Saints Rushing Numbers
| Player/Team | Carries | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
| Alvin Kamara | 22 | 83 | 3.8 | 0 | 16 |
| Saints total | 37 | 122 | 3.3 | 0 | 16 |
The Saints did not need a rushing touchdown to win the game. Their scoring advantage came through the passing game and overall offensive efficiency.
Kamara’s workload still mattered because sustained rushing attempts can help maintain offensive balance and keep pressure away from the passing game.
Rico Dowdle Scores Carolina’s Only Touchdown
Rico Dowdle led Carolina in rushing with 18 carries for 53 yards and one touchdown. He averaged 2.9 yards per carry and recorded a 14-yard long run.
His touchdown was Carolina’s only rushing score and the only touchdown recorded by the Panthers in the game.
Carolina finished with 23 rushing attempts for 73 yards, averaging 3.2 yards per carry.
| Player/Team | Carries | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
| Rico Dowdle | 18 | 53 | 2.9 | 1 | 14 |
| Panthers total | 23 | 73 | 3.2 | 1 | 14 |
Dowdle handled 18 of Carolina’s 23 rushing attempts, giving him a very large share of the team’s rushing workload.
However, Carolina’s limited total rushing production meant the ground game did not create enough offensive output to complement the passing attack.
Offensive Comparison: Saints vs Panthers
The overall offensive numbers provide the clearest explanation for the final result.
| Offensive Category | Saints | Panthers |
| Passing Yards | 282 | 124 |
| Rushing Yards | 122 | 73 |
| Passing TDs | 2 | 0 |
| Rushing TDs | 0 | 1 |
| Total Listed Offensive Yards | 404 | 197 |
| Passing Completions | 19 | 17 |
| Rushing Attempts | 37 | 23 |
New Orleans produced 404 combined passing and rushing yards based on the supplied figures, while Carolina produced 197.
That creates a 207-yard difference in total listed offensive yardage.
The touchdown distribution is also revealing. Carolina scored its only touchdown on the ground. New Orleans scored twice through the air.
This means the Saints’ passing efficiency more than compensated for their lack of a rushing touchdown.
Defensive Player Stats Tell Another Part of the Story
The New Orleans defense recorded 63 total tackles, including 28 solo tackles. The Saints also recorded two sacks, four tackles for loss, four passes defended and three quarterback hits.
Most importantly, Alontae Taylor recorded an interception and returned it 11 yards.
The Panthers recorded 76 total tackles, including 41 solo tackles. Carolina also had two sacks, six tackles for loss, one pass defended and five quarterback hits.
Carolina’s tackle and quarterback-hit numbers show that the Panthers were active defensively. However, those statistics did not translate into an interception or enough disruption to prevent New Orleans from producing 282 passing yards.
Defensive Comparison
| Defensive Category | Saints | Panthers |
| Total Tackles | 63 | 76 |
| Solo Tackles | 28 | 41 |
| Sacks | 2 | 2 |
| Tackles for Loss | 4 | 6 |
| Passes Defended | 4 | 1 |
| QB Hits | 3 | 5 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 0 |
The contrast in passes defended is notable. New Orleans recorded four, while Carolina recorded one.
The Saints also created the only interception of the matchup.
Defensive statistics should always be viewed in context. A team can have more tackles because its defense spends more time on the field. Likewise, quarterback hits do not automatically mean that a defense controlled the passing game. In this contest, Carolina’s five quarterback hits came alongside a 282-yard passing performance from New Orleans.
Alontae Taylor’s Interception Was a Key Defensive Moment
Alontae Taylor recorded New Orleans’ only interception and returned it 11 yards.
The turnover mattered because Carolina did not produce an interception of its own. Turnover margin is often one of the simplest ways to understand which team created extra possessions or prevented the opponent from completing a drive.
In this matchup, New Orleans had the only listed interception.
The Saints also recovered a fumble through Pete Werner. The supplied data records Cameron Jordan with a fumble and Pete Werner with the recovery.
Carolina’s fumble data records Bryce Young with a fumble and Damien Lewis with a recovery.
These plays add context to the defensive statistics and show that the game included multiple opportunities created or recovered through defensive and loose-ball situations.
Special Teams Statistics
Special teams did not dominate the box score, but the numbers help complete the picture.
Dante Pettis handled New Orleans’ listed kick return with one return for 31 yards. He also recorded two punt returns for eight yards.
For Carolina, Chuba Hubbard recorded three kick returns for 78 yards, while Trevor Etienne recorded one kick return for 30 yards. Etienne also recorded two punt returns for 15 yards.
Return Statistics
| Category | Saints | Panthers |
| Kick Return Leader | Dante Pettis | Chuba Hubbard |
| Kick Returns | 1 | 3 by Hubbard, 1 by Etienne |
| Kick Return Yards | 31 | 78 by Hubbard, 30 by Etienne |
| Punt Return Leader | Dante Pettis | Trevor Etienne |
| Punt Returns | 2 | 2 |
| Punt Return Yards | 8 | 15 |
New Orleans kicker Blake Grupe converted his only field-goal attempt and both extra-point attempts. He finished with five points.
Carolina kicker Ryan Fitzgerald converted one extra point but missed his only field-goal attempt, finishing with one point.
The supplied data lists Kai Kroeger as the Saints punter with four punts for 177 yards, a 44.3-yard average and a 54-yard long.
Sam Martin punted four times for Carolina for 204 yards, averaging 51.0 yards per punt with a long of 59 yards.
Why the Saints Won Despite Carolina’s Strong Start
The quarter-by-quarter sequence is one of the most useful ways to understand the game.
Carolina scored seven points in the first quarter while New Orleans managed only three. At that stage, the Panthers had the early advantage.
The Saints changed the statistical direction in the second quarter by scoring seven points and holding Carolina scoreless.
The third quarter produced no points from either team.
In the fourth quarter, New Orleans scored another seven points while again holding Carolina scoreless.
The final three quarters therefore produced a 14-0 scoring advantage for New Orleans.
This is important because the final score does not reflect a game in which the Saints led wire-to-wire. Instead, New Orleans overcame an early deficit and maintained a clean scoring advantage after the opening period.
The Passing-Yard Difference Was the Biggest Statistical Gap
The most obvious statistical separation was passing yardage.
New Orleans generated 282 passing yards compared with 124 for Carolina.
That is a difference of 158 yards.
The gap becomes even more significant when combined with the receiving statistics. Olave and Johnson alone produced 196 receiving yards for the Saints.
Carolina’s two leading listed receivers, McMillan and Sanders, combined for 92 yards.
That is a 104-yard difference between those two receiving pairings.
The Saints therefore had both more passing volume and substantially greater production per successful completion.
The Rushing Game Was More Even Than the Passing Game
The rushing comparison was much closer.
New Orleans recorded 122 rushing yards on 37 attempts. Carolina recorded 73 yards on 23 attempts.
The Saints had 49 more rushing yards.
Neither team produced an overwhelming rushing performance. Kamara averaged 3.8 yards per carry, while Dowdle averaged 2.9.
This is why the passing game is more useful for explaining the offensive difference.
New Orleans’ passing attack produced 282 yards, while its rushing attack added 122. Carolina’s passing attack produced only 124 yards, with 73 coming on the ground.
The Saints were therefore more balanced in total yardage while also generating considerably more production through the air.
What the 17-7 Score Says About Game Efficiency
A 17-7 final score suggests a relatively low-scoring contest, but the offensive yardage totals reveal that New Orleans generated a significant amount of production.
The Saints produced 404 combined passing and rushing yards from the supplied statistics.
Carolina produced 197.
Yet the Saints scored only 17 points.
That difference suggests that yardage alone does not determine scoring. Drives can end without touchdowns, and defensive plays, field position, turnovers and kicking performance can all affect the final score.
New Orleans converted its passing production into two touchdowns. Carolina generated 197 listed offensive yards but scored only one touchdown.
This is an important lesson when analyzing match player stats: raw yardage should be combined with touchdowns, turnovers and efficiency instead of being viewed in isolation.
New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats: Key Takeaways
Several individual and team-level trends stand out from the supplied statistics.
1. Tyler Shough was the leading offensive passer
Shough’s 19 completions for 282 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions gave New Orleans a clear passing advantage.
2. Chris Olave delivered the biggest receiving output
Olave recorded 104 yards and a touchdown, including a 62-yard reception.
3. Juwan Johnson added another explosive target
Johnson produced 92 yards and a touchdown on only four receptions, averaging 23.0 yards per catch.
4. Alvin Kamara carried the largest Saints rushing workload
Kamara had 22 of New Orleans’ 37 rushing attempts and produced 83 yards.
5. Rico Dowdle scored Carolina’s only touchdown
Dowdle rushed 18 times for 53 yards and scored the Panthers’ lone touchdown.
6. Carolina’s passing production was limited
Young completed 17 passes but finished with only 124 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception.
7. New Orleans created the game’s only interception
Alontae Taylor recorded the interception and returned it 11 yards.
8. The Saints controlled the final three quarters
After trailing 7-3 after the first quarter, New Orleans outscored Carolina 14-0 across the final three quarters.
How to Read These Match Player Stats Correctly
A useful approach to football statistics is to avoid focusing on one number.
- For quarterbacks, completion percentage is useful, but it should be considered alongside passing yards, touchdowns, interceptions and passer rating.
- For running backs, carries provide workload information, while yards per carry and touchdowns provide additional context.
- For receivers, receptions show volume, but yards per reception can reveal whether a player was primarily involved in short gains or explosive plays.
Defensive statistics require even more context. Tackles show involvement, while sacks, tackles for loss, quarterback hits, passes defended and interceptions reveal different forms of defensive activity.
For this matchup, looking at all these categories together provides a much more complete picture than simply noting that New Orleans won 17-7.
Comparing the Quarterbacks Beyond Completion Percentage
Shough completed 70.4 percent of his passes, while Young completed 68.0 percent.
At first glance, those numbers are relatively close.
The major difference came after the completions.
Shough produced 282 yards and two touchdowns. Young produced 124 yards and no touchdowns.
That means the Saints extracted substantially more yardage from their completed passes.
The difference in passer rating reinforces the same conclusion. Shough was listed at 128.9, while Young was listed at 62.8.
The interception difference also matters. Shough threw none, while Young threw one.
A complete quarterback comparison therefore needs to consider accuracy, production, scoring contribution and turnover protection together.
Receiving Efficiency Was a Major Saints Advantage
New Orleans averaged 14.8 yards per reception across 19 receptions.
Carolina averaged 7.3 yards per reception across 17 receptions.
That is more than a two-to-one difference in yards per reception.
The Saints also had two receivers with averages above 20 yards per catch:
- Chris Olave: 20.8
- Juwan Johnson: 23.0
Carolina’s leading receiver, McMillan, averaged 12.0 yards per catch, while Sanders averaged 6.4.
This difference helps explain how the Saints generated 282 passing yards from only two more completions than Carolina.
Defensive Pressure Did Not Tell the Whole Story
Both teams recorded two sacks.
Carolina actually recorded more quarterback hits, with five compared with three for New Orleans.
The Panthers also recorded six tackles for loss compared with four for the Saints.
Yet New Orleans still allowed its quarterback to complete 19 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns.
This illustrates why individual defensive statistics need to be interpreted together.
Carolina generated pressure, but New Orleans was able to create enough successful passing plays to produce a significant offensive advantage.
Meanwhile, New Orleans recorded four passes defended and the only interception listed in the game.
A Practical Framework for Analyzing Similar NFL Games
Readers who regularly search for match player statistics can use a simple five-step method.
Step 1: Start with the final score
The score provides the basic result, but it does not explain how the game developed.
Step 2: Compare passing production
Look at completions, attempts, yards, touchdowns, interceptions and rating.
Step 3: Examine rushing workload
Check carries, yards, average and touchdowns to determine how each team used its running game.
Step 4: Identify explosive receivers
Look for players with significant receiving yardage, high yards per reception and long gains.
Step 5: Review defensive and turnover statistics
Sacks, quarterback hits, passes defended, interceptions and fumble recoveries can explain critical changes in possession and momentum.
Using this method on the Saints-Panthers matchup quickly reveals the central statistical story: New Orleans gained a major advantage through the passing game and protected that advantage with defensive takeaways and late scoring.
For broader official NFL statistical information, readers can consult the NFL statistics section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between the Saints and Panthers?
The New Orleans Saints defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-7 on November 9, 2025.
Who was the leading passer in the game?
Tyler Shough led all passers with 19 completions on 27 attempts for 282 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. His listed passer rating was 128.9.
Who led the Saints in rushing?
Alvin Kamara led New Orleans with 22 carries for 83 yards. He averaged 3.8 yards per carry and did not record a rushing touchdown.
Who led the Saints in receiving?
Chris Olave led New Orleans with five receptions for 104 yards and one touchdown. His longest reception was 62 yards.
Who scored Carolina’s only touchdown?
Rico Dowdle scored Carolina’s only touchdown. He rushed 18 times for 53 yards and averaged 2.9 yards per carry.
Which team had more passing yards?
New Orleans had 282 passing yards, while Carolina had 124. The Saints therefore held a 158-yard advantage in passing production.
Conclusion
The New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats from November 9, 2025 show a game in which New Orleans overcame an early deficit through superior passing production and stronger late-game execution.
Tyler Shough completed 19 of 27 passes for 282 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Chris Olave contributed 104 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Juwan Johnson added 92 yards and another touchdown. Alvin Kamara supplied 83 rushing yards on 22 carries.
Carolina’s offensive leaders had productive workloads but generated considerably less overall yardage. Bryce Young completed 17 of 25 passes for 124 yards without a touchdown and threw one interception. Rico Dowdle supplied the Panthers’ only touchdown with 53 rushing yards on 18 carries.
Defensively, New Orleans recorded two sacks, four tackles for loss, four passes defended and the game’s only interception. Carolina also produced two sacks and five quarterback hits, but its defensive activity did not prevent the Saints from producing 282 passing yards.
The quarter-by-quarter scoring pattern is equally important. Carolina led 7-3 after the opening period, but New Orleans scored 14 unanswered points across the remaining three quarters while keeping the Panthers scoreless.
Taken together, the statistics show that the 17-7 result was driven less by a dominant rushing performance and more by New Orleans’ passing efficiency, explosive receiving production, turnover creation and ability to control the game after the first quarter.
