Throughout the season, the New Orleans Saints have struggled to secure wins and entered this weekend with a 1-8 record. The Saints needed a good performance from their rookie QB, Tyler Shough, and that is precisely what happened.
With this victory, a staggering 44-year drought was broken.
Tyler Shough Becomes the First Saints Rookie QB in 44 Years to Win a Game
The last time a Saints rookie QB won a game was back in 1981, when Dave Wilson led New Orleans to a victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Now, after the Saints’ 17-7 win over the Carolina Panthers, Shough has broken the drought and has gotten his first win in the NFL. What makes this win even more impressive is that Shough had an excellent game.
first win for Shough 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Myglabke47
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 9, 2025
Shough’s Performance Against the Panthers
Unlike the Saints’ win over the New York Giants in Week 5, this was a win that was not given to New Orleans. Many players stepped up and performed well, but Shough stood out. The rookie QB entered this after an acceptable performance against the Los Angeles Rams and needed to show a bit more.
In the first half against the Panthers, the offense struggled to get started, with some questionable play calls and a sack that Shough essentially caused. After that point, it was over for the Panthers’ defense when Shough was at QB. Two plays from the first half changed the game’s outlook.
Early in the first quarter, Shough broke a few potential sacks and made an outstanding play on the run.
Tyler Shough hits his TE Juwan Johnson for 52 yards!
NOvsCAR on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/9sjtnsfWR7
— NFL (@NFL) November 9, 2025
The next play came near the beginning of the second quarter, where Shough threw a perfect ball to WR Chris Olave.
pic.twitter.com/gh1on7ZIXB#Saints Chris Olave 62 yard TOUCHDOWN
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) November 9, 2025
These plays gave the Saints a lead, and they never looked back. Tyler Shough continued playing well and ended the game with two touchdowns, 282 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. New Orleans is now 2-8 entering their bye week.