NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
The New Orleans Saints aren’t the only ones excited about their 24-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at rainy Raymond James Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
After beating the Los Angeles Rams last week, the Carolina Panthers improved to 7-6 heading into their bye week. The Bucs, with a 7-5 record heading into their game against the Saints, had a chance to take a lead in the NFC South division race.
Instead, rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, despite his Saints owning a 2-10 record heading into the game, has made things very interesting in the division as the Bucs and Panthers are 7-6 heading into Week 15.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 7, 2025. (Kim Klement Neitzel/Imagn Images)
And Shough wasn’t really doing the job with his arm, but rather his legs on his first career touchdown runs, which were critical in the victory.
The biggest came in the fourth quarter after the Bucs turned things around in a 17-17 game. It was a miraculously in-pocket escape from Shough, which everyone in the building and watching at home thought he was about to take a sack.
COWBOYS COACH TO MEET GEORGE PICKENS AFTER CHILDHOOD EXCHANGE WITH RICHARD SHERMAN FOR CRITICISM
But Shough managed to escape to his left and he saw a seam that looked enticing. Shough donned the jets and ducked as he reached the end zone, crossing the goal line for a 13-yard touchdown that ultimately became the game-winner.
The Saints defense finally took over, forcing a field goal on a promising Tampa Bay drive. Then, after losing time, New Orleans punted with Baker Mayfield and the Bucs offense having the chance to mount a much-needed comeback for their division prospects.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) runs onto the field during a heavy downpour during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 7, 2025. (Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images)
But just four plays later, the Saints toppled the Bucs again, as tight end Cade Otton fell short of the line to win on 4th and 4.
New Orleans also received plenty of help in the ground game from rookie Devin Neal, who continues to play well in the absence of the injured Alvin Kamara. He scored the first touchdown of the game by totaling 70 yards on 19 carries. Shough finished with 55 yards rushing, while passing for 144 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.
On the other side of the score, Mayfield was just 14 of 30 for 122 yards with a touchdown and an interception, as the weather was clearly affecting his confidence in hitting his guys. Bucky Irving, who had a 24-yard touchdown run, had 55 rushing yards, although it was Sean Tucker who scored one in the end zone on the ground in this game.
Bundle FOX One and FOX Nation to stream the entire FOX Nation library, plus live FOX News, Sports and Entertainment at our lowest price of the year. Offer ends January 4, 2026. (Fox One; Fox Nation)
This game might have been different, however, if Mayfield had connected with rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka in the fourth quarter that resulted in a field goal for Chase McLaughlin. The ball was perfectly placed and it’s one he’s scored on several occasions during his great season so far.
However, it eluded him on what would have been a huge tying score for Tampa Bay. Egbuka had just two catches for 26 yards, while Chris Godwin led the Bucs with 55 yards on five catches.
