New Orleans Saints vs Tennessee Titans Match Player Stats
The New Orleans Saints vs Tennessee Titans Match Player Stats from December 28, 2025, tell the story of a game that changed dramatically after halftime. New Orleans defeated Tennessee 34-26 at Nissan Stadium, overcoming a 20-10 halftime deficit by scoring 24 unanswered points across the second half. Tyler Shough delivered one of the most efficient passing performances of his young NFL career, Chris Olave produced another major receiving game, and Audric Estime provided the late rushing touchdown that completed the Saints’ comeback.
The final score was New Orleans Saints 34, Tennessee Titans 26. The Saints finished the game 6-10, including a 3-5 road record, while Tennessee moved to 3-13 with a 1-8 home record. The official NFL game center confirms the final score and quarter-by-quarter scoring pattern. NFL official game center for Saints at Titans
For anyone studying player performance rather than simply looking at the final score, this matchup offers several useful details. New Orleans gained 333 passing yards from Shough, produced 103 rushing yards, and generated 22 completions that all added up to 333 receiving yards. Tennessee actually finished with more rushing yards as a team, but the Titans could not convert that advantage into enough scoring production.
This breakdown examines the passing, rushing, receiving, defensive, special teams, and efficiency numbers to explain how the game unfolded and which statistical patterns mattered most.
New Orleans Saints vs Tennessee Titans Match Player Stats at a Glance
The basic statistical picture shows why the game was much closer than the final four-point margin might suggest.
| Category | New Orleans Saints | Tennessee Titans |
| Final Score | 34 | 26 |
| Record | 6-10 | 3-13 |
| Passing Yards | 333 | 251 |
| Passing TDs | 2 | 2 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 0 |
| Team Rushing | 103 yards | 108 yards |
| Rushing TDs | 1 | 0 |
| Receptions | 22 | 21 |
| Receiving Yards | 333 | 251 |
| Receiving TDs | 2 | 2 |
| Sacks Allowed | 2 | 4 |
| Defensive Sacks | 4 | 2 |
| Pass Defenses | 7 | 1 |
| QB Hits | 8 | 6 |
| Field Goals | 2/3 | 4/4 |
| Extra Points | 4/4 | 2/2 |
One of the clearest differences is passing efficiency. Shough completed 22 of 27 attempts, an 81.5 percent completion rate, for 333 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.
Cam Ward completed 21 of 40 attempts for 251 yards and two touchdowns. His completion rate was 52.5 percent, considerably lower than Shough’s mark.
The Titans did have an advantage on the ground, with 108 team rushing yards compared with New Orleans’ 103. However, Tennessee failed to score a rushing touchdown. That distinction became important because New Orleans converted its rushing production into a decisive fourth-quarter touchdown.
Tyler Shough’s Passing Performance
Tyler Shough was the statistical centerpiece of the Saints’ comeback.
He completed:
- 22 of 27 passes
- 333 passing yards
- 2 passing touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 12.3 yards per attempt
- 142.7 passer rating
- 81.5 QBR
- 2 sacks for 13 yards
The completion percentage works out to 81.5 percent, which is especially notable considering the average depth and explosive nature of some of his completions.
Shough did not simply accumulate yards through short, low-risk throws. His 12.3 yards per attempt indicates that New Orleans generated substantial value from its passing game. The Saints also recorded a 60-yard longest completion.
The most important part of the performance was his combination of volume and efficiency. He attempted only 27 passes but produced 333 yards. That means New Orleans did not need a huge passing workload to move the ball effectively.
NFL’s official player data lists Shough’s Week 17 line at 22 completions on 27 attempts for 333 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 142.7 rating.
Shough’s Second-Half Impact
The timing of Shough’s production is arguably more important than his final numbers.
New Orleans entered halftime trailing 20-10. The Saints then scored 10 points in the third quarter and 14 in the fourth quarter.
That comeback required efficient quarterback play.
Shough connected with Chris Olave for a 19-yard touchdown early in the third quarter. Later, he found Kevin Austin Jr. for a 10-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Those two touchdown passes helped transform a 10-point halftime deficit into a New Orleans lead.
The Saints did not need Shough to throw dozens of passes in the second half. Instead, they consistently turned successful plays into high-value possessions.
That is one of the most useful lessons from this box score. Passing volume alone does not explain offensive performance. Efficiency, explosive gains, touchdown conversion, and turnovers can be equally important.
Cam Ward’s Passing Numbers
Cam Ward finished with:
- 21 completions
- 40 attempts
- 251 yards
- 2 touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 6.3 yards per attempt
- 88.6 passer rating
- 54.1 QBR
- 4 sacks for 23 yards
Ward’s two touchdown passes helped Tennessee build its halftime advantage.
He connected with Chig Okonkwo on a 43-yard touchdown and Elic Ayomanor on a 7-yard touchdown. Both plays were important because Tennessee entered the locker room with a 20-10 advantage.
The challenge came after halftime.
The Titans managed only six points in the third and fourth quarters combined. New Orleans’ defensive pressure also became more visible, with four sacks and eight quarterback hits.
Ward was not intercepted, which is an important positive from the statistical perspective. However, Tennessee’s passing offense struggled to maintain the efficiency it showed before halftime.
His 40 attempts compared with Shough’s 27 attempts also reveal a different offensive profile. Tennessee relied much more heavily on the passing game to generate offense, while New Orleans obtained significant production from efficient passing combined with timely rushing.
Chris Olave Leads the Saints Receiving Attack
Chris Olave was the leading receiver in the game.
His line was:
- 8 receptions
- 11 targets
- 119 yards
- 14.9 yards per reception
- 1 touchdown
- 60-yard long reception
Olave’s 119 receiving yards accounted for more than one-third of New Orleans’ 333 receiving yards.
His 60-yard longest reception also demonstrates that his contribution was not limited to short completions. He consistently gave the Saints a way to create chunk plays.
The connection between Shough and Olave was particularly important in the second half. Their 19-yard touchdown connection in the third quarter helped begin the Saints’ comeback.
NFL’s season log for Olave confirms that he finished the game with eight receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown.
Why Olave’s Efficiency Mattered
Olave averaged 14.9 yards per reception.
That figure matters because New Orleans completed only 22 passes. When a relatively modest number of completions produces 333 yards, explosive receiving plays have a major influence on the final offensive output.
Olave was also targeted 11 times, making him the most heavily targeted Saints receiver.
The distribution shows that Shough had a clear high-value target while still spreading the ball to other players.
Juwan Johnson’s Big Contribution
Juwan Johnson did not score a touchdown, but his production was important.
He recorded:
- 4 receptions
- 95 yards
- 23.8 yards per reception
His 95 yards were only 24 yards behind Olave’s total.
The 23.8-yard average was particularly impressive. Johnson provided another explosive option and prevented the Titans from focusing exclusively on Olave.
When two pass catchers both generate substantial yardage per reception, the defense has a more difficult time concentrating coverage on one player.
Kevin Austin Jr. Adds a Touchdown
Kevin Austin Jr. finished with:
- 4 receptions
- 52 yards
- 1 touchdown
His touchdown came on a 10-yard pass from Shough in the fourth quarter.
That score gave New Orleans a 27-26 lead with 6:22 remaining.
The sequence was important because Tennessee had just regained the lead with a 58-yard field goal. New Orleans responded with an 80-yard touchdown drive, shifting the momentum back to the Saints.
Austin’s touchdown was therefore more than a statistical footnote. It was one of the game’s major turning points.
Dante Pettis Provides Receiving and Return Value
Dante Pettis recorded three receptions for 53 yards.
He also played a major role in the return game.
Pettis had:
- 4 kick returns
- 97 kick return yards
- 24.3 yards per return
- 32-yard long return
- 2 punt returns
- 22 punt return yards
- 11.0 yards per punt return
His contribution illustrates why individual player statistics should be viewed across multiple phases of the game.
A player can influence field position without producing a large offensive receiving total. Pettis did exactly that in this matchup.
Audric Estime’s Rushing Performance
Audric Estime led New Orleans on the ground with:
- 14 carries
- 94 yards
- 6.7 yards per carry
- 1 touchdown
- 32-yard long run
His 94 yards represented the majority of the Saints’ 103 team rushing yards.
Estime’s 32-yard touchdown run with 3:44 remaining in the fourth quarter effectively sealed the game.
The official Saints season review also identifies Estime’s 94-yard performance and 32-yard touchdown as major components of the victory.
Estime’s Efficiency Was More Important Than Volume
Estime averaged 6.7 yards per carry.
That is an excellent efficiency figure, particularly because he produced it on only 14 attempts.
New Orleans did not need 25 or 30 carries from its leading running back. Instead, the Saints relied on explosive rushing plays at critical moments.
The 32-yard touchdown was the clearest example.
It also helped compensate for a modest overall rushing total. New Orleans had only 103 team rushing yards, but the timing and efficiency of those yards made them valuable.
Tony Pollard Leads Tennessee’s Rushing Game
Tony Pollard was Tennessee’s leading rusher.
He finished with:
- 18 carries
- 85 yards
- 4.7 yards per carry
Pollard’s workload was larger than Estime’s, but Tennessee did not receive a rushing touchdown from its backfield.
That difference is significant.
The Titans produced 108 team rushing yards, five more than New Orleans, but the Saints converted their ground production into a touchdown.
Tennessee’s other rushing numbers included:
- Cam Ward: 2 carries, 10 yards
- Chimere Dike: 1 carry, 7 yards
- Kalel Mullings: 1 carry, 4 yards
- Tyjae Spears: 6 carries, 2 yards
The six carries for Spears produced only two yards, which reduced the efficiency of Tennessee’s overall rushing attack.
Tennessee’s Receiving Leaders
Chig Okonkwo led Tennessee in receiving yardage.
His numbers were:
- 3 receptions
- 55 yards
- 18.3 yards per reception
- 1 touchdown
- 43-yard long reception
- 7 targets
His 43-yard touchdown reception from Ward was one of Tennessee’s biggest offensive plays.
Chimere Dike also recorded four receptions for 55 yards, matching Okonkwo’s yardage total while doing so without a touchdown.
Other Tennessee receiving contributions included:
- Van Jefferson: 3 receptions, 46 yards
- Elic Ayomanor: 4 receptions, 37 yards, 1 touchdown
- Mason Kinsey: 1 reception, 34 yards
- Tony Pollard: 2 receptions, 10 yards
The Titans finished with 21 receptions for 251 yards and two touchdowns.
The Passing Efficiency Difference
One of the most revealing elements of the New Orleans Saints vs Tennessee Titans Match Player Stats is the difference between the quarterbacks’ efficiency.
New Orleans:
- 22 completions
- 27 attempts
- 333 yards
- 2 touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 12.3 yards per attempt
Tennessee:
- 21 completions
- 40 attempts
- 251 yards
- 2 touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 6.3 yards per attempt
Both quarterbacks avoided interceptions.
Both threw two touchdown passes.
But Shough produced 82 more passing yards on 13 fewer attempts.
That is a major efficiency difference.
New Orleans averaged approximately 15.1 yards per completion, while Tennessee averaged approximately 12.0 yards per completion.
The Saints therefore generated more yardage from fewer completed passes.
Defensive Player and Team Statistics
New Orleans finished with:
- 69 total tackles
- 38 solo tackles
- 4 sacks
- 6 tackles for loss
- 7 pass defenses
- 8 quarterback hits
- 1 defensive touchdown
Tennessee recorded:
- 62 total tackles
- 41 solo tackles
- 2 sacks
- 4 tackles for loss
- 1 pass defense
- 6 quarterback hits
- 0 defensive touchdowns
The most obvious defensive difference is pressure.
New Orleans recorded twice as many sacks as Tennessee.
The Saints also recorded six tackles for loss compared with four for the Titans.
Most importantly, New Orleans scored a defensive touchdown.
That defensive score came from a fumble recovery by Chase Young, turning a Tennessee turnover into seven points.
This was a crucial hidden factor in the final score.
Turnovers and Defensive Scoring
Both teams had two fumbles.
Each team lost one fumble.
That means the basic turnover margin was even.
However, the consequences were not equal.
New Orleans converted its defensive takeaway into a touchdown. That created seven points without requiring the offense to drive the length of the field.
This is one of the clearest examples of why turnover statistics should not always be evaluated solely by counting giveaways.
Field position and points generated from turnovers can matter just as much.
A lost fumble that becomes a defensive touchdown has a very different impact from a lost fumble that results only in a short offensive possession.
Special Teams Performance
Special teams played a meaningful role in the game.
New Orleans Kicking
Charlie Smyth finished:
- 2 of 3 field goals
- 4 of 4 extra points
- 57-yard long field goal
- 10 total points
The 57-yard field goal was particularly notable because it provided New Orleans with points from long range.
Tennessee Kicking
Joey Slye was perfect on field goals:
- 4 of 4 field goals
- 2 of 2 extra points
- 58-yard long field goal
- 14 total points
Slye actually scored more points than Smyth.
However, Tennessee’s perfect kicking performance was not enough to overcome New Orleans’ offensive and defensive touchdowns.
This is another useful lesson from the box score: individual special teams efficiency does not necessarily determine the winner when the difference is being created elsewhere.
Punting Comparison
New Orleans punter Kai Kroeger recorded:
- 3 punts
- 96 total yards
- 32.0-yard average
- 41-yard long punt
Tennessee punter Johnny Hekker recorded:
- 3 punts
- 151 total yards
- 50.3-yard average
- 61-yard long punt
- 1 touchback
Hekker had the stronger raw punting average.
But Tennessee still lost.
This highlights why isolated special teams statistics need to be considered within the overall game context.
Kick Return Comparison
New Orleans returned five kicks for 126 yards.
The Saints averaged 25.2 yards per kick return.
Dante Pettis handled four of those returns for 97 yards.
Evan Hull added one return for 29 yards.
Tennessee had one kick return, with Chimere Dike producing 33 yards.
New Orleans therefore gained a substantial advantage in kick return volume and total return yardage.
That advantage contributed to field position, even though it does not appear directly in the final offensive totals.
The Second-Half Comeback
The most important statistical storyline was the second-half scoring.
At halftime:
Tennessee 20, New Orleans 10
Third quarter:
New Orleans 10, Tennessee 3
Fourth quarter:
New Orleans 14, Tennessee 3
Second-half total:
New Orleans 24, Tennessee 6
That is a dramatic reversal.
The Saints did not merely edge Tennessee in the second half. They outscored the Titans by 18 points.
The turnaround was built through several components:
- Shough became extremely efficient as a passer.
- Olave produced a touchdown and explosive receiving plays.
- New Orleans generated defensive pressure.
- The Saints recovered a fumble for a defensive touchdown.
- Estime delivered a 32-yard rushing touchdown.
- New Orleans avoided interceptions.
- The Saints converted their offensive opportunities into touchdowns.
The official game scoring record confirms that New Orleans scored 10 points in the third quarter and 14 in the fourth, while Tennessee scored three points in each of those quarters.
Why the Saints Won Despite Similar Rushing Numbers
At first glance, the rushing totals do not explain the result.
Tennessee rushed for 108 yards.
New Orleans rushed for 103.
That is only a five-yard difference.
The larger difference came through passing efficiency and scoring conversion.
New Orleans produced 333 passing yards.
Tennessee produced 251.
That is an 82-yard advantage through the air.
The Saints also had a 2-1 advantage in defensive sacks and a significant advantage in pass defenses.
More importantly, New Orleans converted key opportunities into touchdowns while Tennessee relied heavily on field goals during its scoring sequence.
The Titans made four field goals.
The Saints made two.
Yet New Orleans scored two offensive touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, and one defensive touchdown. Tennessee scored two offensive passing touchdowns but no rushing or defensive touchdown.
That distribution explains much of the final result.
A Closer Look at Offensive Explosiveness
The New Orleans offense produced several high-value plays.
Olave had a 60-yard reception.
Johnson averaged 23.8 yards per catch.
Estime averaged 6.7 yards per rush.
Austin scored on a 10-yard reception.
The Saints therefore had multiple ways to generate explosive plays.
Tennessee also produced explosive moments.
Okonkwo caught a 43-yard touchdown pass.
Slye connected on a 58-yard field goal.
Hekker recorded a 61-yard punt.
Pollard averaged 4.7 yards per carry.
The difference was not a complete absence of big plays from Tennessee. Instead, New Orleans converted its big plays into a more balanced scoring profile during the comeback.
What the Stats Say About the Saints Offense
The Saints’ offensive profile was built around efficiency rather than extreme volume.
They attempted only 27 passes.
They ran the ball 23 times.
That gave them 50 recorded rushing and passing attempts before accounting for sacks.
Shough’s 333 yards on 27 attempts was the central efficiency advantage.
The receiving group also had strong depth.
Olave had 119 yards.
Johnson had 95.
Pettis had 53.
Austin had 52.
That means four New Orleans players exceeded 50 receiving yards.
This balance makes it harder for a defense to remove one player from the game plan.
What the Stats Say About the Titans Offense
Tennessee’s offense had useful production but struggled to sustain it after halftime.
The Titans completed 21 passes and gained 251 receiving yards.
Their leading receiver, Okonkwo, averaged 18.3 yards per reception.
Dike also had four catches for 55 yards.
Ward threw two touchdowns without an interception.
However, four sacks limited the passing attack, and the 6.3 yards per attempt figure was considerably below Shough’s 12.3.
The Titans also failed to score a rushing touchdown despite gaining 108 rushing yards.
That combination produced a respectable offensive yardage total but not enough second-half scoring.
Important Advanced Takeaways From the Box Score
Several less obvious observations emerge when the numbers are viewed together.
1. New Orleans Won the Efficiency Battle
The Saints did more with fewer attempts.
That is evident in the passing numbers, where Shough generated 333 yards on 27 attempts.
2. Tennessee Won Some Individual Statistical Categories
The Titans had more rushing yards and more field goals.
Hekker also had a significantly higher punting average.
So the Saints’ victory was not based on dominating every category.
3. Defensive Scoring Changed the Math
The Saints’ defensive touchdown provided seven points that did not come from a conventional offensive drive.
That is a major scoring advantage.
4. Explosive Plays Were Critical
Olave’s 60-yard reception, Johnson’s 95-yard receiving performance, and Estime’s 32-yard touchdown all show how New Orleans created scoring opportunities.
5. The Second Half Decided the Game
The first half belonged to Tennessee.
The second half belonged decisively to New Orleans.
That split is essential context for anyone evaluating the final score.
New Orleans Saints vs Tennessee Titans Match Player Stats: Key Leaders
For readers looking for the most important individual numbers, the main leaders were:
Passing leader: Tyler Shough, 22/27, 333 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
Tennessee passing leader: Cam Ward, 21/40, 251 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
New Orleans rushing leader: Audric Estime, 14 carries, 94 yards, 1 TD
Tennessee rushing leader: Tony Pollard, 18 carries, 85 yards
New Orleans receiving leader: Chris Olave, 8 receptions, 119 yards, 1 TD
Tennessee receiving leader: Chig Okonkwo, 3 receptions, 55 yards, 1 TD
New Orleans defensive profile: 4 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, 7 pass defenses, 1 defensive TD
Tennessee defensive profile: 2 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, 1 pass defense
These numbers provide a concise snapshot of the game’s most important individual performances.
How to Read This Box Score Correctly
A common mistake when analyzing NFL player statistics is to look only at the largest numbers.
For example, Tennessee finished with more rushing yards.
That does not mean the Titans controlled the game on the ground.
Likewise, Slye scored 14 points through field goals and extra points, but Tennessee still finished with eight fewer points overall.
A more complete analysis considers:
- Efficiency
- Scoring value
- Turnovers
- Field position
- Explosive plays
- Defensive pressure
- Timing of production
- Fourth-quarter performance
Using those factors provides a much clearer picture than simply listing the statistical leaders.
What This Game Shows About Quarterback Efficiency
The matchup also provides a useful example of why completion percentage alone does not tell the whole story.
Shough completed 81.5 percent of his passes.
Ward completed 52.5 percent.
But the more striking statistic is yards per attempt.
Shough averaged 12.3 yards per attempt.
Ward averaged 6.3.
That means Shough combined accuracy with downfield production.
He did not need a high number of attempts to produce 333 yards.
Ward, by contrast, needed 40 attempts to produce 251 yards.
Both quarterbacks avoided interceptions, but the Saints gained considerably more offensive value from their passing opportunities.
Why Chris Olave’s 119-Yard Game Matters
Olave’s performance was important beyond the headline total.
He caught eight of 11 targets.
That means he accounted for approximately 36 percent of New Orleans’ 22 receptions.
His 119 yards represented roughly 36 percent of the Saints’ 333 receiving yards.
His 19-yard touchdown also came at a crucial moment early in the third quarter.
The combination of volume, efficiency, and timing made his contribution particularly meaningful.
Why Audric Estime’s Touchdown Was So Important
Estime’s 32-yard touchdown came with only 3:44 remaining.
New Orleans already led 27-26.
Instead of simply trying to run out the clock, the Saints produced an explosive scoring play that extended the advantage to eight points.
That changed the situation for Tennessee.
The Titans now needed a touchdown and successful two-point conversion to tie the game.
The final possession ended without another score.
This is why game context matters when reading rushing statistics. Estime’s 94 yards were important, but the timing of his 32-yard touchdown was even more significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Saints vs Titans on December 28, 2025?
The New Orleans Saints defeated the Tennessee Titans 34-26 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
Who was the Saints’ leading passer?
Tyler Shough led New Orleans with 22 completions on 27 attempts for 333 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Who led the Saints in rushing?
Audric Estime led New Orleans with 14 carries for 94 yards and one rushing touchdown.
Who led the Saints in receiving?
Chris Olave led the Saints with eight receptions for 119 yards and one touchdown on 11 targets.
How many rushing yards did the Titans have?
Tennessee finished with 108 team rushing yards on 28 carries, averaging 3.9 yards per carry.
How did the Saints come back from a halftime deficit?
New Orleans trailed 20-10 at halftime but outscored Tennessee 24-6 in the second half. The comeback included two passing touchdowns, a rushing touchdown, a defensive touchdown, and strong quarterback efficiency from Tyler Shough.
Conclusion
The New Orleans Saints vs Tennessee Titans Match Player Stats show a game defined by efficiency, explosive plays, defensive pressure, and a major second-half turnaround.
Tyler Shough was the central offensive figure for New Orleans, completing 22 of 27 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Chris Olave provided 119 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Juwan Johnson added 95 yards and Kevin Austin Jr. contributed a fourth-quarter touchdown.
Audric Estime supplied the decisive rushing production, finishing with 94 yards and a 32-yard touchdown that extended the Saints’ lead late in the fourth quarter.
Tennessee had productive individual performances of its own. Cam Ward threw for 251 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Tony Pollard rushed for 85 yards, while Chig Okonkwo caught three passes for 55 yards and a touchdown. Joey Slye was perfect on four field-goal attempts.
The statistical story becomes clearer when the categories are combined. Tennessee had a slight rushing advantage, but New Orleans gained 82 more passing yards, recorded twice as many sacks, produced seven pass defenses compared with Tennessee’s one, and scored a defensive touchdown.
Most importantly, the Saints changed the game after halftime. They went from trailing by 10 points to winning by eight, outscoring Tennessee 24-6 across the final two quarters.
For readers analyzing New Orleans Saints vs Tennessee Titans Match Player Stats, the most useful takeaway is that the final result cannot be explained by one category alone. The combination of quarterback efficiency, receiving explosiveness, timely rushing production, defensive pressure, and turnover impact provides the complete picture of how New Orleans turned a halftime deficit into a 34-26 victory.
