Reviewing the Critical Defensive Penalty Against the Carolina Panthers That Moved the Saints Into Range for the Final Kick
The New Orleans Saints (4-10) delivered a stunning 20-17 upset victory over the playoff hopeful Carolina Panthers (7-7) on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome. The thrilling divisional contest was decided in the final seconds by a clutch drive led by rookie quarterback Tyler Shough and a game winning field goal from kicker Charlie Smyth, effectively spoiling the Panthers' chance to take sole possession of the NFC South lead.
The immediate score and summary of the Panthers vs Saints game highlighted a dramatic New Orleans comeback. The Panthers had led for much of the second half, taking a 17-7 lead in the third quarter after a 32 yard touchdown pass from Bryce Young to Jalen Coker. The Saints battled back, tying the score at 17-17 with 2:29 left in the game on a 12 yard touchdown pass from Tyler Shough to Chris Olave. With the score tied and 57 seconds remaining, Shough engineered a masterful eight play drive that was capped by Charlie Smyth’s 47 yard game winner with just two seconds left on the clock.
Key stats from the contest confirmed the encouraging performance of the Saints’ rookie quarterback. Tyler Shough, the 40th overall draft choice, continued his development, completing 24 of 32 passes for 272 yards and one touchdown, while adding a team high 32 rushing yards and notably avoiding any turnovers. For the Panthers, Bryce Young finished with 163 passing yards and one touchdown. The defensive play of the game came from Saints defensive end Chase Young, whose late sack of Bryce Young forced a punt, allowing the Saints' offense to get the ball back and set up the tying drive.
The strategic turning point in the Saints vs Panthers matchup involved a critical fourth quarter Panthers defensive penalty. On the final drive, Tyler Shough was hit in the head area after a scramble and slide, drawing an unnecessary roughness flag on Carolina's Lathan Ransom. The 15 yard penalty moved the ball into easier range for kicker Charlie Smyth, a former Gaelic football player who has quickly become a fan favorite. His 47 yard kick secured the comeback, earning Shough his third win in six starts and serving as the Saints’ second consecutive victory over an NFC South contender.
The future outlook for the Panthers vs Saints participants is drastically different. The Saints, though eliminated from playoff contention, have found their quarterback of the future in Tyler Shough and are building momentum under coach Kellen Moore. The loss, however, severely damages the Panthers' playoff hopes, keeping them in a tie for first place in the NFC South and putting immense pressure on them to win their Week 16 game against Tampa Bay to clinch the division title.