PFF grades from Saints’ win over Panthers

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints pulled off a big upset over the Carolina Panthers in dramatic fashion in Week 15. A last-second field goal and exhilarating performances from young contributors set the tone for the team’s future in this matchup. 

Pro Football Focus graded one veteran player and a group of rookies or second-year players as the team’s best weapons. Further signifying the potential for bright days to come in New Orleans. 

Top 5

WR Devaughn Vele – 89.0

DE Cameron Jordan – 81.1

QB Tyler Shough – 80.6

S Jonas Sanker – 76.8

T Kelvin Banks Jr. – 76.5

Each of the highest graded players is a young contributor aside from Jordan, who has continued to put together a strong season. 

Vele was the team’s top receiver until he left the game with a shoulder injury, reeling in five receptions for 69 receiving yards. 

Shough is responsible for the team’s continued progress and the win against Carolina alongside kicker Charlie Smyth, while proving he can be the team’s future at quarterback. He completed 75% of his passes and now holds the Saints’ rookie season passing yards record. 

Sanker tied for the team’s lead in total tackles, including a tackle for a loss, and Banks paved the way for a touchdown run by fellow rookie running back Devin Neal in the first half. 

The Saints’ 2025 draft class and roster additions have been key leaders and contributors to the team’s progress and success as they look to close the season out with an impressive display. 

Bottom 5

DT Nathan Shepherd – 43.1

WR Mason Tipton – 46.7

CB Alontae Taylor – 47.5

DT Davon Godchaux – 50.2

TE Foster Moreau – 50.9

With the lowest graded player still being scored as high as a 43.1, the Saints’ “bottom five” is only relative to the fact that some players must have the lowest grade. 

The Saints interior defensive line did indeed struggle throughout the matchup with Carolina. The group had a rough game in holding the line against the run and were often parted in pass protection, surrendering escape lanes for Panthers’ passer Bryce Young. 

However, for the most part, the team performed well across all three phases to bring home a second-consecutive victory against another team jostling for playoff positioning inside the Saints’ division.