Rookie QB Tyler Shough leads a thrilling comeback as the New Orleans Saints edge past the Carolina Panthers 20-17, shaking up the Panthers’ playoff hopes.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Kicker Charlie Smyth converted a 47-yard field goal to give the New Orleans Saints a 20-17 comeback win over the Carolina Panthers.

Carolina (7-7) entered the game a half-game ahead of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7) , needing a win to better position their playoff hopes. 

Rookie New Orleans quarterback Tyler Shough took his third win over a divisional opponent, throwing for 272 yards and a touchdown. Shough led the Saints on the game-winning drive, which included a scramble that bought New Orleans 15 extra yards when Panthers safety Lathan Ransom was flagged for unnecessary roughness.

The loss gives New Orleans (4-10) a season sweep over the Panthers.

Carolina led 17-7 in the third quarter, but 13 unanswered points allowed New Orleans to steal the win. 

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young was effective at times but was unable to seal the game late. He finished 15 of 24 for 161 yards and a touchdown. 

Carolina’s rushing game was held in check, much like in the first meeting between these teams. Rico Dowdle led the Panthers with 49 yards rushing on 16 carries. 

The Panthers’ playoff hopes take a big turn in Week 16 in a home matchup with the Buccaneers.


Game recap

The Panthers opened the game with a 13-play, 74-yard drive capped off with a 4-yard Rico Dowdle rushing score. The drive included a toe-tap reception by Jalen Coker on the sideline, which the Saints challenged. The catch was upheld, allowing Carolina’s drive to continue.

New Orleans responded in the second quarter with a monster 95-yard drive to tie the game with a short rushing touchdown from running back Devin Neal.

Young worked his two-minute drill skills on the ensuing drive, allowing the Panthers to take a 10-7 halftime lead with a 40-yard Ryan Fitzgerald field goal.

Carolina began the second half with another touchdown drive. This time, it was Young hitting Coker over-the-top for a 32-yard touchdown pass.

The Saints scored a field goal to close the gap at 17-13 in the fourth quarter, but an offside penalty gave New Orleans a 4th-and-1, prompting the team to put the offense on the field. Carolina came up with the stop, leaving the Saints behind 17-10.

New Orleans got the ball back with just over four minutes to play and quickly knifed through Carolina’s defense to tie the game at 17-17. Shough hit Chris Olave for a 12-yard touchdown on the drive.

Carolina failed to score on the ensuing drive, allowing Shough and the Saints to pull through with the game-winning drive.