The New Orleans Saints secured a thrilling 20-17 victory over the Carolina Panthers in a nail-biting Week 15 matchup, thanks to a 47-yard field goal by Charlie Smyth with just two seconds remaining. The drama-filled victory etched a stirring show of grit from everyone, but especially Smyth and quarterback Tyler Shough. After a series of rollercoaster plays Shough led the team on an exciting game-winning drive.
With only 57 seconds left on the clock and the Saints starting from their own 9-yard line, Shough orchestrated a remarkable drive that would ultimately define the game. Shough initially looked deep to tight end Juwan Johnson before checking down to his running back. He quickly located fellow rookie Chris Olave, who snatched a key 15-yard catch-and-run, moving the Saints to the Panthers’ 48-yard line. So with 12 seconds remaining, on third down, Shough spiked the ball to stop the clock and make way for this wild finish.
With the pressure cranking up, Shough remained cool headed in the heat of the moment. He delivered a picture-perfect pass to rookie Chris Olave on a 12-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. This scoring play helped put the Saints back in striking range, as they fought to recover from a late-game deficit. Notably, Olave had struggled initially, recording only one catch through three quarters, but he emerged as a key target in the final moments.
Earlier in the game, Shough faced significant challenges, including a fourth-and-1 situation with 6:59 remaining. When pressured, though, he still kept the drive moving by finding Kevin Austin Jr. for an 11-yard pickup. After Shough got rocked on his slide, he admitted he went a little too far himself. This admission resulted in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, moving the Saints 15 yards further down the field.
The intensity of the game heightened as Shough returned from the injury tent, rejuvenated and ready to lead his team. So, I mean, it hurt for sure, but I was straight,” he reflected on his past rough patches. His will was evident as he led his squad past a stacked Panthers defense to claim the title.
Even after he was set for the game-winning field goal, it had all hit Smyth at once. He made the 47-yarder as time expired, sending he and his teammates into a passionate frenzy. His new teammates jumped up and down in jubilation, singing his name and then tackling him to the ground on the field.
“I suppose the outside world would say there’s a lot of pressure on you, but I like to think I embrace those moments,” – Charlie Smyth
That postgame locker room was a place of incredible joy and excitement. Smyth and Shough each received game balls for their key contributions in helping secure the win. Shough reflected on the team’s effort and growth throughout the season: “It was just a really, really good effort by all the guys because I mean you get tired down at the end … but you train for those moments.” It was a testament to their sheer persistence, he said, that they made it that far.
The Saints offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, commended the team’s spirit and urgency. “Awesome game of resiliency… not every game’s going to be perfect. There’s going to be highs and lows and for our guys to stick together, that’s a beautiful formula for a comeback win like that,” he noted.
As the Saints try to make this season the first of many successful seasons, Shough was encouraged by what he saw moving forward. “We’re just having fun. We have a deep sense that together, we’re building something special. We wouldn’t want to be in this beautiful place for eternity. We’re here to stay,” he said.
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