Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats
When divisional rivals collide, it’s rarely just another regular-season game. That was exactly the case when the Carolina Panthers faced the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. With both teams fighting for momentum in a challenging season, this matchup turned out to be a closely contested contest filled with key performances, defensive grit, and statistical milestones.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints match player stats, comparing individual and team numbers to uncover what truly shaped the game’s outcome.
What was the final result of the Panthers vs Saints game?
The New Orleans Saints secured a narrow victory over the Carolina Panthers, winning 20–17 in front of over 70,000 fans. The Panthers started strong, leading in the first and third quarters, but a dominant final quarter by the Saints saw them edge ahead.
Final Score Breakdown by Quarter
| Quarter | Carolina Panthers | New Orleans Saints |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | 0 |
| 2nd | 3 | 7 |
| 3rd | 7 | 3 |
| 4th | 0 | 10 |
| Total | 17 | 20 |
This win brings the Saints’ home record to 2–5, while the Panthers move to 3–5 in away games, both teams now sitting at 7–7 and 4–10 overall, respectively.
How did the quarterbacks perform statistically?
Quarterback play was a central storyline in this matchup. Carolina’s Bryce Young showed signs of improvement, but the Saints’ Tyler Shough ultimately put up the more efficient performance.
Quarterback Comparison
| Player | Comp/Att | Yards | TDs | INT | Sacks (Yds) | Yards/Att | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryce Young | 15/24 | 163 | 1 | 0 | 1 (9) | 6.8 | 96.4 |
| Tyler Shough | 24/32 | 272 | 1 | 0 | 5 (16) | 8.5 | 110.4 |
Young protected the ball well but was limited in yardage. Shough, despite being sacked five times, effectively moved the ball downfield and distributed it across multiple receivers.
Which players made the biggest impact in the rushing game?
While neither team had a dominant rushing attack, both found the end zone on the ground. The Panthers leaned more heavily on their run game, with three players contributing notable yardage.
Rushing Stats
| Team | Player | Carries | Yards | Avg | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panthers | Rico Dowdle | 16 | 49 | 3.1 | 1 | 8 |
| Panthers | Bryce Young | 7 | 49 | 7.0 | 0 | 15 |
| Panthers | Chuba Hubbard | 8 | 29 | 3.6 | 0 | 10 |
| Saints | Devin Neal | 7 | 28 | 4.0 | 1 | 15 |
| Saints | Tyler Shough | 8 | 32 | 4.0 | 0 | 13 |
Carolina’s total rushing yardage stood at 127 yards across 31 carries, while the Saints managed 81 yards on 25 attempts. Despite the yardage difference, both teams found value in their red zone ground plays.
Who led the receiving stats for both teams?
The passing game was more impactful for the Saints, thanks in part to the contributions of Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele, while Jalen Coker was a bright spot for the Panthers.
Receiving Leaders
| Team | Player | Receptions | Yards | Avg | TD | Long | Targets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panthers | Jalen Coker | 4 | 60 | 15.0 | 1 | 32 | 4 |
| Panthers | Xavier Legette | 2 | 39 | 19.5 | 0 | 34 | 3 |
| Saints | Chris Olave | 6 | 85 | 14.2 | 1 | 18 | 9 |
| Saints | Devaughn Vele | 5 | 69 | 13.8 | 0 | 17 | 6 |
While Olave continues to lead the Saints’ air attack, Vele has become a reliable secondary target. For Carolina, Coker’s explosive play helped set up scoring opportunities.
How did both defenses impact the game?
Defensively, both teams brought pressure and were active across the field. Carolina’s front line recorded five sacks, while New Orleans maintained a consistent tackling presence.
Defensive Standouts
Carolina Panthers
| Player | Total Tackles | Sacks | Tackles for Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Scott | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| D.J. Wonnum | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Christian Rozeboom | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Claudin Cherelus | 1 | 1 | 1 |
New Orleans Saints
| Player | Total Tackles | Sacks | Tackles for Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Young | 6 | 1 | 2 |
| Demario Davis | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Jonas Sanker | 6 | 0 | 1 |
Despite Carolina winning the sack battle 5-1, the Saints were more efficient in limiting third-down conversions and controlling possession late in the game.
Were there any significant turnovers or penalties?
Turnovers were minimal in this game, with the only one coming from a Panthers fumble by Jalen Coker. Neither team threw an interception.
Turnovers and Penalties
| Category | Panthers | Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Turnovers | 1 (fumble) | 0 |
| Penalties | 11 for 103 yards | 9 for 78 yards |
| 1st Downs from Penalties | 1 | 6 |
Carolina’s 11 penalties significantly disrupted their offensive rhythm, while New Orleans capitalized on penalty yardage to extend drives.
How did the special teams units perform?
Both teams had solid performances from their kickers and punters. Ryan Fitzgerald and Charlie Smyth were perfect on field goals and extra points.
Special Teams Stats
| Team | Player | FG Made | Long | XP Made | Punts | Punt Avg | Inside 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panthers | Ryan Fitzgerald | 1/1 | 40 | 2/2 | 3 | 47.3 | 2 |
| Saints | Charlie Smyth | 2/2 | 47 | 2/2 | 2 | 47.5 | 1 |
In the return game, Chuba Hubbard led the Panthers with 50 kickoff return yards across two returns, while Evan Hull posted 72 yards on three returns for New Orleans.
What do the overall stats say about the game’s flow?
New Orleans outpaced Carolina in first downs, passing yards, and total plays. Meanwhile, the Panthers held an edge in rushing and sack totals. The Saints were more consistent in time of possession and execution in crucial fourth-quarter moments.
Full Team Comparison
| Metric | Panthers | Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 281 | 337 |
| Passing Yards | 154 | 256 |
| Rushing Yards | 127 | 81 |
| First Downs | 15 | 27 |
| Time of Possession | 28:16 | 31:44 |
| Red Zone Conversions | 1/1 | 2/3 |
| Total Plays | 56 | 63 |
| Sacks | 5 | 1 |
Despite statistical edges in rushing and sacks, the Panthers couldn’t overcome penalties and failed to capitalize in late-game situations.
What are the key takeaways from the Panthers vs Saints game?
The Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints match player stats reveal a game of small margins. New Orleans was simply more efficient when it mattered most. Quarterback Tyler Shough’s composure, Chris Olave’s consistent production, and the Saints’ ability to control possession late made the difference.
For the Panthers, while there were glimpses of growth in Bryce Young’s game and impressive moments on defense, penalties and missed opportunities defined their narrow loss.
This game highlights the importance of discipline, red zone execution, and depth across both sides of the ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who had the most total yards in the game?
The New Orleans Saints led with 337 total yards compared to Carolina’s 281.
Did either team throw an interception?
No, both Bryce Young and Tyler Shough played clean games without throwing interceptions.
How did Carolina perform in the red zone?
The Panthers were perfect in the red zone, converting on their only trip.
Which team had more first downs?
The Saints recorded 27 first downs, dominating that category against Carolina’s 15.
Who scored rushing touchdowns?
Rico Dowdle scored for Carolina, while Devin Neal found the end zone for New Orleans.
Which defense had more sacks?
Carolina recorded five sacks, outpacing New Orleans, who had one.
What was the biggest difference maker in the game?
Penalties and time of possession were key. Carolina’s 11 penalties for 103 yards allowed New Orleans to sustain momentum and win crucial drives.
