See what media and fans had to say about Saints QB Tyler Shough’s clutch game vs. Panthers

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough made his sixth career NFL start against the Carolina Panthers in Week 15 at the Caesars Superdome on Sunday, and he pulled through for a second consecutive victory.

Shough led the Saints to a 20-17 comeback win over the Panthers, a gutsy performance from the rookie that saw him enter the medical tent after a hard hit. He led the Saints to a win over the Panthers back in Week 10 during his second career start, and he was able to do so for a second time this season.

The Saints (4-10) won back-to-back games for the first in 2025, three of which have been with Shough starting. Times-Picayune columnist Jeff Duncan said, “you could make a case that Tyler Shough is the best quarterback in the NFC South right now.”

Shough is now 3-1 in four starts against NFC South opponents having beaten the Panthers twice and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, both of which are tied for first place in the division at 7-7.

Shough completed 24 of 32 passes (75%) for 272 yards, 1 touchdown and no interceptions and had a team-high 32 rushing yards on 8 carries in the Saints Week 15 win. Trizzy Trace on X pointed out that “Tyler Shough’s legs are a weapon.”

WDSU’s Fletcher Mackel tweeted, “NOLA has a QB1” after Shough led a 78-yard Saints scoring drive that saw him throw a 12-yard touchdown to Chris Olave to tie the game at 17.

While Shough’s performance left many encouraged, Drew Cook on X noted that, “the lack of chemistry between Tyler Shough and (Saints wide receiver) Chris Olave is painful.”

Saints fans appear optimistic about Shough’s long-term outlook as the team’s starting quarterback despite some growing pains as a rookie. Cortex Studios tweeted that “Tyler Shough is the future.”

Shough and the Saints will be back at home next Sunday against the New York Jets (3-11).