Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
After getting their second opening drive touchdown of the year, the New Orleans Saints picked up their third win. They did so against a 7-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that needed three consecutive wins to lock up the NFC South division. In a rainy, defensive slog, the Saints come out on top by meeting, managing and overcoming adversity on the road.
The Story
This was the Saints’ best effort of the season thus far. In their previous bests, wins against the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers, a lot went their way. In Tampa, the breaks didn’t all go their way and New Orleans still found a way to come out on top thanks to the play of its defense and a pair of rookie stars.
Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough and rookie running back Devin Neal have arrived. Shough’s pair of rushing touchdowns and Neal’s effectiveness on the ground led the way for New Orleans in picking up a massive upset against the Buccaneers, who are now tied atop the NFC South as opposed to in control.
The Saints’ defense did their job as well, forcing a whopping five turnovers on downs and picking up an interception partway through the game as well. Despite having no sacks on the day, pressure worked well against Tampa quarterback Baker Mayfield and the team’s aggressive play style kept momentum in its favor.
A very encouraging and impressive victory for New Orleans, who will now head home to New Orleans for two contests against the Panthers and New York Jets.
The Plays
The rook @Dev_Neal23‘s first career TD 🙌@KU_Football | 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/QaoQhhrvj7
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 7, 2025
ALONTAE WILL TAKE DAT.
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/pclQa47fpQ
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 7, 2025
Shough it, run it – 34 YARDS TO THE HOUSE!#Saints | 📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/rNofdNPgJ6
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 7, 2025
HOLY SHOUGH!!!!#Saints | 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/zI1xk1hVkc
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 7, 2025
The Stats
- Shough completed 13 of his 20 passing attempts for 144 passing yards and an interception. He also ran seven times for 55 yards (including kneeldowns) for two touchdown rushes.
- Shough’s 34-yard rushing touchdown was the Saints’ longest run of the season.
- Neal ran 19 times for 70 rushing yards and scored his first career touchdown.
- Neal’s 21-yard rush was the first 20-plus yard rush by a Saints’ running back since Week 9 of 2024.
- The Saints’ defense forced four turnovers on downs.
- Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor notched his first career interception in 2023 against Mayfield. He notched another on Sunday.
- New Orleans reached double-digit penalties for the first time since Week 3.
- The Saints’ opening drive touchdown was only its second of the season.
- The team finished 2/3 in the red zone after going 2/2 last week against the Miami Dolphins.
The Injuries
Starting right tackle Asim Richards, who was already filling in for Taliese Fuaga (ankle) at the position. William Sherman finished the game on the right side.
