Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
While there’s a lot of talk about the New Orleans Saints’ rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, the Saints defense dominated the Carolina Panthers in their 17-7 Week 10 victory. Outside of a couple of ill-timed penalties on the first drive, one of which erased a turnover, the Saints’ defense was stingy and disruptive all game long.
As he continues to age like fine wine, linebacker Demario Davis (whose third takeaway of the season was overturned by a questionable defensive penalty on the opening drive) continues to lead the team not just by virtue of his words, but his with his play.
Here are the top and bottom five Pro Football Focus grades delivered to players (minimum 15 snaps) after the performance, led by Davis’ standout day.
Top 5:
LB Demario Davis – 91.3
LB Pete Werner – 84.2
WR Chris Olave – 78.8
QB Tyler Shough – 76.8
TE Juwan Johnson – 76.4
Davis led the way along with cornerback Alontae Taylor in generating a notable amount of energy on defense. With his disruptive play and all-around contributions, Davis continues to be the heartbeat of the Saints’ defense. He reminded players before and during the game about staying true to their alignments and assignments, a reminder that served well in elevating the defense on Sunday against the Panthers.
“Alignment. Assignment. Technique” 🫡#Saints | @CoxComm pic.twitter.com/mvUA7Zyjr7
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 9, 2025
Werner was a tackling machine throughout the game. He tied for tackles for six combined while also notching a tackle for a loss and a fumble recovery. It was a strong day for the second-level of the Saints’ improving defense.
Olave was undeniably his best self on the same football field where many thought his career might have ended after a brutal shot to the head last year. Instead, he piled on his first 100-yard receiving game of the year and now has four touchdowns through the team’s first 10 games. He was physical and impressive at the catch point while making good on his desire to be more utilized downfield.
Shough cracks the top five in his second career start and first career win. He was outstanding under pressure, on the move and downfield throughout the game. He certainly answered the call in being elevated to the team’s new starter as he looks to prove that he can be future in New Orleans.
Johnson became the fourth tight end in Saints franchise history to cross the 2,000-yard receiving threshold in his career. He did so with a 52-yard reception early in the game and then found an open spot again for his second touchdown reception in as many weeks. The tight end is just a couple of solid games away from resetting his career-highs in receptions and receiving yards.
Bottom 5:
LG Dillon Radunz – 38.4
S Justin Reid – 43.8
DT Bryan Bresee – 45.5
TE Foster Moreau – 48.8
WR Devaughn Vele – 51.6
Radunz and Reid saw their grades suffer because of penalties, but otherwise had solid enough days. Radunz was out in front of running back Alvin Kamara on his 26-yard catch and run on a screen.
Vele fell because of his lack of separation as a route runner after averaging just 1.14 yards of separation on targets, per Next Gen Stats. But he made a strong catch between two defenders on a third and long that might have been short of the sticks, but at least gave New Orleans the option to go for it on fourth-and-short. The Saints chose to pass up on that opportunity, however.
Moreau’s grade was mostly impacted by blocking grades while Bresee continues to be held hostage by the low grading of interior defensive linemen. Both players contributed throughout the matchup and Bresee continues to improve as a run stopper.
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