New Orleans Saints vs Tennessee Titans Match Player Stats
The New Orleans Saints vs Tennessee Titans Match Player Stats from December 28, 2025, reveal how the New Orleans Saints overcame an early deficit to secure a 34-26 victory over the Tennessee Titans in an important Week 17 NFL matchup. Played at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, the contest featured two young quarterbacks, productive receiving performances, an impressive rushing display, and several game-changing defensive moments. Tyler Shough led the Saints’ offense with 333 passing yards and two touchdowns, while running back Audric Estime added 94 rushing yards and a touchdown. Chris Olave also delivered an outstanding performance with eight receptions for 119 yards and one score.
For Tennessee, rookie quarterback Cam Ward threw for 251 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Tony Pollard contributed 85 rushing yards. Wide receiver Chig Okonkwo and rookie receiver Elic Ayomanor both found the end zone. Despite producing several strong offensive moments, the Titans could not maintain their second-quarter advantage. New Orleans responded with 20 points in the second half, including two important fourth-quarter touchdowns, to complete the comeback.
This breakdown examines the complete player statistics, passing efficiency, rushing production, receiving performances, defensive contributions, special teams numbers, scoring progression, and tactical factors that influenced the final result.
New Orleans Saints vs Tennessee Titans Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The December 28 meeting provided an interesting comparison between two teams with developing quarterbacks and different offensive strengths.
Tennessee started quickly and established a 20-10 halftime advantage. However, New Orleans improved its offensive execution after the break and gradually took control of the contest.
The Saints finished with 34 points, while the Titans managed 26. The final score reflected New Orleans’ ability to turn productive offensive possessions and defensive opportunities into touchdowns.
Final Match Information
| Match Detail | Information |
| Competition | National Football League |
| Season | 2025 NFL Season |
| Week | Week 17 |
| Date | December 28, 2025 |
| Home Team | Tennessee Titans |
| Away Team | New Orleans Saints |
| Venue | Nissan Stadium |
| Location | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Final Score | Saints 34, Titans 26 |
| Winning Team | New Orleans Saints |
| Losing Team | Tennessee Titans |
| Saints Record | 6-10 |
| Titans Record | 3-13 |
| Game Status | Final |
The result improved New Orleans’ record to 6-10 and extended its winning streak to four games. Tennessee fell to 3-13 after another difficult defensive performance.
The Saints also demonstrated an important characteristic of a competitive offense: the ability to recover after falling behind. Rather than relying on one player throughout the game, New Orleans received contributions from its quarterback, running backs, receivers, kicker, and defensive unit.
Quarter-by-Quarter Score
| Quarter | New Orleans Saints | Tennessee Titans |
| First Quarter | 0 | 6 |
| Second Quarter | 10 | 14 |
| Third Quarter | 10 | 3 |
| Fourth Quarter | 14 | 3 |
| Final Score | 34 | 26 |
The scoring progression explains the game’s changing momentum.
Tennessee controlled the opening half, scoring 20 points compared with New Orleans’ 10. The Saints then scored 10 points in the third quarter and another 14 in the fourth.
The Titans managed only six points after halftime. That difference ultimately decided the contest.
Complete New Orleans Saints vs Tennessee Titans Match Player Stats
The individual statistics show why New Orleans eventually secured the victory.
Tyler Shough was the most productive passer, Chris Olave led the receiving group, and Audric Estime provided the Saints with an effective ground attack.
Tennessee also produced several impressive individual performances, particularly from Cam Ward, Tony Pollard, and Chig Okonkwo.
Quarterback Passing Statistics
| Player | Team | Completions | Attempts | Passing Yards | TD | INT | Sacks | Passer Rating |
| Tyler Shough | Saints | 22 | 27 | 333 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 142.7 |
| Cam Ward | Titans | 21 | 40 | 251 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 88.6 |
Tyler Shough produced the most efficient quarterback performance of the afternoon.
He completed 22 of 27 passes, giving him an impressive completion rate of approximately 81.5%. His 333 passing yards demonstrated his ability to attack different areas of the Tennessee defense.
Shough also avoided interceptions and finished with a passer rating of 142.7.
Cam Ward recorded 251 passing yards and two touchdowns. His performance included several successful scoring connections, but his lower completion rate made it more difficult for Tennessee to sustain offensive possessions consistently.
The quarterback comparison highlights a major difference between the teams. Both players threw two touchdown passes without an interception, but Shough completed a significantly higher percentage of his attempts and generated more passing yards.
Rushing Statistics
| Player | Team | Carries | Rushing Yards | Average | Touchdowns | Longest Run |
| Audric Estime | Saints | 14 | 94 | 6.7 | 1 | 32 |
| Tyler Shough | Saints | 4 | 6 | 1.5 | 0 | 7 |
| Evan Hull | Saints | 2 | 3 | 1.5 | 0 | 3 |
| Taysom Hill | Saints | 3 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 |
| Tony Pollard | Titans | 18 | 85 | 4.7 | 0 | 25 |
| Cam Ward | Titans | 2 | 10 | 5.0 | 0 | 5 |
| Chimere Dike | Titans | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 0 | 7 |
| Kalel Mullings | Titans | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 0 | 4 |
| Tyjae Spears | Titans | 6 | 2 | 0.3 | 0 | 1 |
Audric Estime was the leading rushing performer.
His 94 yards on 14 carries represented an average of 6.7 yards per attempt. He consistently provided New Orleans with productive running plays and finished his performance with a 32-yard touchdown.
Tony Pollard was Tennessee’s leading rusher. He carried the football 18 times for 85 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt.
Although Pollard recorded more rushing attempts, Estime produced more yards with fewer opportunities.
This difference became particularly important during the fourth quarter. Estime’s touchdown extended New Orleans’ lead to eight points and helped the Saints establish control of the game.
Receiving Statistics
| Player | Team | Receptions | Targets | Receiving Yards | Average | Touchdowns | Longest Reception |
| Chris Olave | Saints | 8 | 11 | 119 | 14.9 | 1 | 60 |
| Juwan Johnson | Saints | 4 | 4 | 95 | 23.8 | 0 | 39 |
| Dante Pettis | Saints | 3 | 4 | 53 | 17.7 | 0 | 32 |
| Kevin Austin Jr. | Saints | 4 | 5 | 52 | 13.0 | 1 | 36 |
| Moliki Matavao | Saints | 2 | 2 | 10 | 5.0 | 0 | 6 |
| Audric Estime | Saints | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 0 | 4 |
| Chimere Dike | Titans | 4 | Not specified | 55 | 13.8 | 0 | 38 |
| Chig Okonkwo | Titans | 3 | Not specified | 55 | 18.3 | 1 | 43 |
| Van Jefferson | Titans | 3 | Not specified | 46 | 15.3 | 0 | 27 |
| Elic Ayomanor | Titans | 4 | Not specified | 37 | 9.3 | 1 | 14 |
| Mason Kinsey | Titans | 1 | Not specified | 34 | 34.0 | 0 | 34 |
| Tony Pollard | Titans | 2 | Not specified | 10 | 5.0 | 0 | 10 |
| David Martin-Robinson | Titans | 1 | Not specified | 9 | 9.0 | 0 | 9 |
| James Proche II | Titans | 1 | Not specified | 5 | 5.0 | 0 | 5 |
| Gunnar Helm | Titans | 1 | Not specified | 1 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 |
| Tyjae Spears | Titans | 1 | Not specified | -1 | -1.0 | 0 | 0 |
Chris Olave led all receivers with 119 yards and eight receptions.
Juwan Johnson also made a major contribution, finishing with 95 yards on four catches. His average of 23.8 yards per reception demonstrated how effectively New Orleans attacked Tennessee through the middle and deeper areas of the field.
Kevin Austin Jr. contributed four receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown. Dante Pettis added three catches for 53 yards.
Tennessee distributed its receiving production across several players. Chig Okonkwo and Chimere Dike each recorded 55 receiving yards, while Van Jefferson contributed another 46.
Although the Titans had multiple productive receivers, New Orleans gained more passing yards and generated more explosive offensive opportunities.
Tyler Shough’s Passing Performance: The Foundation of the Saints’ Victory
Tyler Shough delivered one of his most productive performances of the 2025 season.
The young quarterback completed 22 of 27 attempts for 333 yards and two touchdowns. He did not throw an interception, giving New Orleans an efficient passing performance during a game in which the team needed to recover from an early deficit.
His completion percentage was approximately 81.5%, which illustrates how consistently he connected with his receivers.
Passing Accuracy and Decision-Making
Shough’s accuracy was one of the most important statistical differences between the quarterbacks.
He completed more than four out of every five passing attempts. That allowed the Saints to maintain offensive rhythm and create opportunities without relying exclusively on difficult third-down conversions.
His two touchdown passes were also important.
The first scoring connection came in the third quarter when he found Chris Olave for a 19-yard touchdown.
The second arrived during the fourth quarter when he connected with Kevin Austin Jr. for a 10-yard score.
Both plays helped New Orleans recover from Tennessee’s earlier advantage.
Deep Passing and Offensive Distribution
Shough did not depend on a single receiving option.
Olave delivered the biggest individual receiving performance, but Johnson, Pettis, and Austin also made meaningful contributions.
This distribution made the Saints’ passing attack more difficult to defend.
When Tennessee concentrated defensive attention on Olave, other receivers remained capable of producing important gains.
Johnson’s 95 receiving yards were especially valuable because they gave New Orleans another reliable option in the passing game.
Avoiding Interceptions
Another important part of Shough’s performance was his ability to protect the football through the passing game.
He finished without an interception despite attempting 27 passes.
This allowed the Saints to preserve their offensive opportunities and avoid giving Tennessee an additional possession through a defensive interception.
Shough was sacked twice for a combined loss of 13 yards, so Tennessee did create some pressure.
However, those defensive efforts did not prevent the quarterback from producing 333 passing yards.
Cam Ward’s Performance for the Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward also recorded a productive statistical performance, although his numbers were not as efficient as Shough’s.
The Tennessee quarterback completed 21 of 40 attempts for 251 yards and two touchdowns.
He did not throw an interception.
Ward demonstrated his ability to generate scoring opportunities, particularly during the second quarter when Tennessee established its biggest advantage.
Touchdown Connections
Ward connected with Chig Okonkwo for a 43-yard touchdown.
The explosive play gave Tennessee a 13-0 advantage and demonstrated the potential of the Titans’ passing attack.
He later connected with Elic Ayomanor for a seven-yard touchdown.
That score helped Tennessee enter halftime with a 20-10 lead.
Both touchdown passes were important examples of Ward’s ability to take advantage of opportunities in the red zone and downfield.
Passing Efficiency Challenges
Despite recording two touchdown passes, Ward’s overall passing efficiency was lower than Shough’s.
He completed approximately 52.5% of his attempts based on the supplied 21-for-40 box-score figures.
The difference in completion percentage affected Tennessee’s ability to maintain consistent offensive production.
Ward also took four sacks for a combined loss of 23 yards.
Those negative plays reduced the effectiveness of several offensive possessions.
His performance was not entirely unsuccessful. He generated 251 passing yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception.
However, the Saints were more effective at converting their passing opportunities into sustained offensive production.
Audric Estime’s Rushing Impact
Audric Estime played a central role in New Orleans’ offensive success.
He finished with 14 carries for 94 rushing yards and one touchdown.
His average of 6.7 yards per carry was one of the strongest individual rushing figures in the game.
Consistent Ground Production
Estime’s performance gave the Saints an effective alternative to their passing attack.
A productive running game can influence defensive positioning by forcing opponents to respect the possibility of a handoff.
This can create additional opportunities for quarterbacks and receivers.
Estime’s 94 rushing yards helped New Orleans maintain offensive balance throughout the contest.
The 32-Yard Touchdown
His most important contribution came late in the fourth quarter.
With New Orleans leading 27-26, Estime broke through for a 32-yard rushing touchdown.
The play extended the Saints’ advantage to 34-26.
It was a particularly important moment because Tennessee had previously held a 26-20 lead.
Instead of depending on another passing touchdown, New Orleans used its running game to create the decisive scoring opportunity.
Estime’s performance also demonstrated the value of an effective rushing attack in close games.
Comparing Estime and Pollard
The comparison between the two leading running backs provides another useful perspective.
| Statistic | Audric Estime | Tony Pollard |
| Team | Saints | Titans |
| Carries | 14 | 18 |
| Rushing Yards | 94 | 85 |
| Yards Per Carry | 6.7 | 4.7 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 1 | 0 |
| Longest Run | 32 | 25 |
Pollard received four more carries than Estime but finished with nine fewer rushing yards.
Estime also scored the game’s decisive rushing touchdown.
The comparison suggests that New Orleans received greater efficiency from its primary rushing option.
Chris Olave Leads the Saints’ Receiving Attack
Chris Olave was New Orleans’ leading receiver and one of the most influential offensive players in the contest.
He caught eight passes on 11 targets for 119 yards and one touchdown.
His average of 14.9 yards per reception demonstrated his ability to produce meaningful gains beyond short passing situations.
Reliable Target for Tyler Shough
Olave’s eight receptions represented a major part of the Saints’ passing production.
He provided Shough with a dependable receiving option throughout the game.
His 60-yard longest reception also showed his ability to create explosive plays.
The Saints benefited from having a receiver capable of producing both consistent short gains and significant downfield yardage.
Important Third-Quarter Touchdown
Olave scored on a 19-yard reception in the third quarter.
At that point, Tennessee was leading 20-10.
The touchdown reduced the deficit and helped New Orleans establish offensive momentum.
It was an important turning point because the Saints had struggled to produce points during the opening quarter.
Olave’s performance also extended his productive 2025 campaign.
He finished the game with more than 100 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Juwan Johnson’s Contribution
Juwan Johnson deserves significant attention in any detailed review of the receiving statistics.
He recorded four receptions for 95 yards.
Although he did not score a touchdown, his average of 23.8 yards per catch made him one of the most efficient receivers in the contest.
His longest reception covered 39 yards.
Johnson’s contribution demonstrated that New Orleans had multiple players capable of creating explosive plays.
This receiving depth helped prevent Tennessee from focusing entirely on Olave.
Tennessee Titans Receiving Performance
The Titans had several productive receiving performances despite losing the game.
Chig Okonkwo was particularly important because he scored Tennessee’s opening touchdown.
Chig Okonkwo
Okonkwo finished with three receptions for 55 yards and one touchdown.
His longest reception covered 43 yards.
That reception came in the second quarter and gave Tennessee a 13-0 advantage.
His ability to create a significant gain downfield was one of the highlights of the Titans’ offensive performance.
Chimere Dike
Chimere Dike also recorded 55 receiving yards on four receptions.
He provided another option for Ward and helped Tennessee distribute the passing workload.
Dike additionally contributed on special teams through his kick and punt returns.
His involvement in multiple phases made him a useful part of Tennessee’s overall performance.
Elic Ayomanor
Ayomanor recorded four receptions for 37 yards and one touchdown.
His seven-yard scoring reception in the second quarter helped Tennessee establish a 20-10 halftime advantage.
Although his overall receiving yardage was lower than that of some teammates, his touchdown contribution was important.
Van Jefferson and Other Contributors
Van Jefferson added three receptions for 46 yards.
Mason Kinsey recorded one reception for 34 yards, while Tony Pollard added two catches for 10 yards.
The Titans received contributions from several players, but their passing attack did not produce enough consistent yardage to match New Orleans.
Defensive Player Statistics and Game-Changing Plays
The defensive performances were particularly important because both teams created opportunities to change the game’s direction.
New Orleans finished with four sacks, six tackles for loss, seven passes defended, and eight quarterback hits.
Tennessee recorded two sacks, four tackles for loss, one pass defended, and six quarterback hits.
Neither defense recorded an interception.
New Orleans Saints Defensive Statistics
| Player | Total Tackles | Solo Tackles | Sacks |
| Alontae Taylor | 9 | 7 | 0 |
| Kool-Aid McKinstry | 6 | Not specified | 0 |
| Danny Stutsman | 6 | Not specified | 0 |
| Demario Davis | 6 | Not specified | Included in shared sack |
| Pete Werner | 5 | Not specified | 0 |
| Cameron Jordan | 5 | Not specified | 0 |
| Chase Young | 4 | Not specified | 1.5 |
Alontae Taylor led New Orleans with nine total tackles and seven solo tackles.
His performance reflected his involvement in stopping Tennessee’s offensive plays.
Kool-Aid McKinstry and Danny Stutsman each recorded six tackles.
Demario Davis also contributed six tackles and shared a sack during the game.
Chase Young’s Defensive Touchdown
Chase Young delivered one of the most important defensive plays of the contest.
During the second quarter, he recovered a Tennessee fumble and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown.
The play changed the scoreboard and reduced the Titans’ advantage.
Instead of allowing Tennessee to maintain complete control, New Orleans gained seven points through its defensive unit.
Young also finished with 1.5 sacks according to the supplied defensive statistics.
His ability to pressure the quarterback and create turnovers made him one of the Saints’ most influential defensive players.
Cameron Jordan’s Late Defensive Contribution
Cameron Jordan also made an important contribution.
He recorded five tackles and helped pressure Ward during Tennessee’s final offensive possession.
Jordan’s late involvement reinforced the Saints’ ability to close out the contest defensively.
New Orleans did not rely exclusively on offensive production to secure the result.
Its defensive players created important opportunities and prevented Tennessee from producing another scoring drive.
Tennessee Titans Defensive Statistics
| Player | Total Tackles | Solo Tackles | Sacks |
| Cedric Gray | 12 | 9 | 0 |
| Jeffery Simmons | 7 | Not specified | 1 |
| Darrell Baker Jr. | 5 | Not specified | 0 |
| Kendell Brooks | 5 | Not specified | 0 |
| Kemon Hall | 4 | Not specified | 0 |
Cedric Gray led the Titans with 12 total tackles and nine solo tackles.
His tackle production demonstrated how frequently he was involved in defensive plays.
Jeffery Simmons recorded seven tackles and one sack.
His pass-rushing contribution helped Tennessee generate pressure against Shough.
However, the Titans struggled to prevent New Orleans from producing explosive offensive plays.
Their defense recorded only one pass defended, compared with seven for the Saints.
That difference reflects New Orleans’ greater success in disrupting Tennessee’s passing opportunities.
Team Statistics: Saints vs Titans
Individual performances provide only part of the story.
Team statistics help explain how New Orleans generated enough offensive production to overcome Tennessee’s early advantage.
| Team Statistic | New Orleans Saints | Tennessee Titans |
| Final Score | 34 | 26 |
| Total Net Yards | 423 | 336 |
| Passing Yards | 333 | 251 |
| Rushing Yards | 103 | 108 |
| Total Rushing Attempts | 23 | 28 |
| Total Receptions | 22 | 21 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 2 | 2 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 1 | 0 |
| Defensive Touchdowns | 1 | 0 |
| Total Sacks | 4 | 2 |
| Tackles for Loss | 6 | 4 |
| Passes Defended | 7 | 1 |
| Quarterback Hits | 8 | 6 |
| Total Fumbles | 2 | 2 |
| Fumbles Lost | 1 | 1 |
| Time of Possession | 28:19 | 31:41 |
The Saints finished with 423 total net yards, compared with Tennessee’s 336.
New Orleans generated a 87-yard advantage in total net yardage.
The biggest difference came through passing production.
The Saints recorded 333 passing yards, while Tennessee finished with 251.
Interestingly, the Titans actually produced slightly more rushing yards.
Tennessee recorded 108 rushing yards compared with New Orleans’ 103.
However, the Saints were more productive through the air and converted their offensive opportunities into more touchdowns.
The Importance of Passing Yardage
The 82-yard difference in passing production was a major factor.
Shough’s accuracy allowed New Orleans to move the football efficiently.
Olave and Johnson created significant receiving gains, while Austin and Pettis provided additional options.
Tennessee also had successful passing plays, but its lower completion rate made the overall offense less consistent.
Defensive Production
New Orleans also recorded more sacks, tackles for loss, passes defended, and quarterback hits.
These numbers suggest that the Saints were more effective at disrupting the opposing quarterback.
The four sacks were particularly important because they limited Tennessee’s ability to establish consistent passing rhythm.
Possession Time
Tennessee actually controlled the football for longer.
The Titans recorded 31 minutes and 41 seconds of possession, compared with 28 minutes and 19 seconds for New Orleans.
This demonstrates why possession time should not be treated as a complete measure of offensive success.
Tennessee had the ball longer but did not generate enough scoring production to win.
The Saints were more efficient with their opportunities.
Special Teams Statistics
Special teams played an important supporting role in the contest.
Both kickers produced points, while the punters contributed to field position.
Kicking Statistics
| Statistic | Charlie Smyth | Joey Slye |
| Team | Saints | Titans |
| Field Goals Made | 2 | 4 |
| Field Goals Attempted | 3 | 4 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 66.7% | 100% |
| Longest Field Goal | 57 yards | 58 yards |
| Extra Points Made | 4 | 2 |
| Extra Point Attempts | 4 | 2 |
| Total Points | 10 | 14 |
Joey Slye was perfect on field goals.
He converted all four attempts, including a 58-yard kick.
Charlie Smyth converted two of his three attempts and made all four extra points.
His longest successful field goal covered 57 yards.
Although Slye scored more points, New Orleans received greater touchdown production from its offense and defense.
Charlie Smyth’s Contribution
Smyth’s long-distance kicking was valuable.
His successful 56-yard and 57-yard field goals helped New Orleans remain competitive while the offense worked to overcome Tennessee’s lead.
He also converted every extra-point attempt.
Joey Slye’s Performance
Slye was one of Tennessee’s most reliable scorers.
He converted four field goals and two extra points for 14 total points.
His 58-yard field goal in the fourth quarter gave Tennessee a 26-20 advantage.
However, the Titans could not protect that lead.
Punting Statistics
| Statistic | Kai Kroeger | Johnny Hekker |
| Team | Saints | Titans |
| Punts | 3 | 3 |
| Punting Yards | 96 | 151 |
| Average | 32.0 | 50.3 |
| Longest Punt | 41 yards | 61 yards |
| Touchbacks | 0 | 1 |
| Punts Inside 20 | 0 | 0 |
Johnny Hekker recorded the higher average and longest punt.
He averaged 50.3 yards across three attempts.
Kai Kroeger averaged 32.0 yards.
While punting did not determine the final result, Tennessee had the advantage in this particular special teams category.
Kick Returns and Punt Returns
New Orleans produced 126 total kick return yards.
Dante Pettis recorded four kick returns for 97 yards, averaging 24.3 yards per return.
Evan Hull added one return for 29 yards.
For Tennessee, Chimere Dike recorded one kick return for 33 yards.
On punt returns, Pettis recorded two returns for 22 yards.
Dike recorded one punt return for seven yards.
These contributions helped both teams manage field position throughout the game.
Turnovers and Ball Security
Turnovers were another important part of the matchup.
Both teams recorded two total fumbles and lost one.
Neither quarterback threw an interception.
Fumble Statistics
| Team | Total Fumbles | Fumbles Lost | Interceptions |
| New Orleans Saints | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Tennessee Titans | 2 | 1 | 0 |
The Saints’ most important defensive turnover came when Chase Young recovered a Tennessee fumble and returned it for a touchdown.
That play produced seven points without requiring the offense to enter the field.
New Orleans also experienced a costly offensive fumble.
Dante Pettis lost possession near the end zone, allowing Tennessee to recover the ball for a touchback.
That moment was particularly significant because the Saints were trailing 26-20 at the time.
Despite losing that opportunity, New Orleans recovered and scored two touchdowns later in the game.
Tennessee also lost a fumble, contributing to the turnover battle.
Neither team recorded an interception, meaning the decisive turnover impact came through fumbles rather than passing mistakes.
How the Saints Came Back to Beat the Titans
The comeback was built through several important moments rather than one isolated play.
Understanding the scoring sequence provides a clearer picture of how New Orleans transformed a 10-point halftime deficit into an eight-point victory.
First Quarter: Tennessee Takes Control
The Titans opened the scoring with a 50-yard field goal from Joey Slye.
Slye later added another field goal from 38 yards.
Those two successful attempts gave Tennessee a 6-0 lead.
New Orleans failed to score during the opening quarter.
The Saints struggled to establish immediate offensive momentum, while Tennessee benefited from its early scoring opportunities.
Second Quarter: Both Teams Produce Touchdowns
Tennessee extended its advantage through a 43-yard touchdown reception by Chig Okonkwo.
Cam Ward delivered the scoring pass.
The Titans moved ahead 13-0.
New Orleans responded with a 56-yard field goal from Charlie Smyth.
The Saints then received a major defensive contribution from Chase Young.
Young recovered a fumble and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown.
The score brought New Orleans back into the contest.
However, Tennessee responded before halftime.
Ward connected with Elic Ayomanor for a seven-yard touchdown, giving the Titans a 20-10 advantage.
Despite the Saints’ defensive touchdown, Tennessee remained in control at the break.
Third Quarter: New Orleans Builds Momentum
The Saints returned from halftime with a more productive offensive approach.
Shough connected with Olave for a 19-yard touchdown.
That play reduced Tennessee’s advantage to three points.
The Titans responded with another field goal from Slye, extending their lead to 23-17.
New Orleans then answered with a 57-yard field goal from Smyth.
The third quarter ended with Tennessee leading 23-20.
At this stage, the game had become much closer.
Fourth Quarter: The Saints Complete the Comeback
Slye opened the fourth-quarter scoring with a 58-yard field goal.
Tennessee moved ahead 26-20.
However, Shough led an important offensive drive that ended with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Austin Jr.
The Saints moved ahead 27-26 after Smyth converted the extra point.
New Orleans then delivered the decisive play.
Audric Estime broke through for a 32-yard rushing touchdown.
The successful extra point extended the lead to 34-26.
Tennessee could not recover from the eight-point deficit.
The Saints maintained their advantage and secured the victory.
Five Biggest Takeaways From the Match
The statistical evidence reveals several important lessons about the game.
1. Tyler Shough Was the Most Efficient Quarterback
Shough’s 333 passing yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions made him the most productive quarterback.
His 81.5% completion rate also demonstrated excellent accuracy.
He consistently found receivers and helped New Orleans maintain offensive momentum.
2. Chris Olave Was the Leading Receiving Threat
Olave finished with 119 receiving yards and eight receptions.
His third-quarter touchdown helped the Saints reduce the deficit.
He was also responsible for the longest reception recorded by the New Orleans receiving group.
3. Audric Estime Made the Difference on the Ground
Estime averaged 6.7 yards per carry and finished with 94 rushing yards.
His fourth-quarter touchdown gave the Saints an important advantage.
His production demonstrated that an effective rushing attack can complement an accurate passing game.
4. Chase Young Changed the Game Defensively
Young’s 33-yard fumble return for a touchdown was one of the most influential plays.
Instead of allowing Tennessee to build an even larger advantage, New Orleans received an immediate defensive scoring opportunity.
His pass-rushing contribution also helped the Saints pressure Ward.
5. Tennessee Could Not Maintain Its Second-Half Production
The Titans scored 20 points in the first half but only six afterward.
New Orleans scored 10 points in the third quarter and 14 in the fourth.
The second-half difference explains the final result more clearly than the overall possession statistics.
What the Player Statistics Reveal About Both Teams
The individual numbers offer several useful insights into the offensive and defensive approaches used during the contest.
New Orleans Showed Greater Offensive Balance
The Saints combined effective passing with productive rushing.
Shough delivered 333 passing yards, while Estime contributed 94 rushing yards.
Olave and Johnson created explosive receiving opportunities.
This balance allowed New Orleans to attack Tennessee in different ways.
Tennessee Had Productive Individual Performances
The Titans were not without offensive success.
Ward threw two touchdowns, Pollard rushed for 85 yards, and Okonkwo produced 55 receiving yards with a touchdown.
Slye also delivered an excellent kicking performance.
However, the team’s overall production did not translate into enough points.
Defensive Scoring Provided a Major Advantage
New Orleans received seven points from Chase Young’s defensive touchdown.
That score reduced the pressure on the offense and changed the momentum.
It also illustrates why defensive statistics should be considered alongside passing, rushing, and receiving numbers.
Efficiency Was More Important Than Possession
Tennessee controlled the football for more time but lost the game.
New Orleans produced more net yards and scored more touchdowns.
The Saints demonstrated that converting possessions into points can matter more than simply holding the football.
Historical and Season Context
The Week 17 contest was important for both teams as the 2025 regular season approached its conclusion.
New Orleans entered the game with a 5-10 record and improved to 6-10 after the victory.
Tennessee entered at 3-12 and dropped to 3-13.
The Saints also extended their winning streak to four games.
Tyler Shough’s performance was particularly notable because he became the first rookie quarterback to record consecutive 300-yard passing games since C.J. Stroud achieved the feat in 2023.
Chris Olave’s 119 receiving yards also helped him reach another important season milestone.
He moved beyond 1,100 receiving yards for the campaign.
Audric Estime recorded a career-high 94 rushing yards.
These achievements made the game significant beyond its final score.
For Tennessee, the contest provided additional experience for rookie quarterback Cam Ward and several developing offensive players.
For New Orleans, it demonstrated the potential of a young quarterback supported by productive receivers and a developing rushing attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who Won the New Orleans Saints vs Tennessee Titans Game on December 28, 2025?
The New Orleans Saints defeated the Tennessee Titans 34-26 in their Week 17 NFL matchup at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. New Orleans completed a second-half comeback to secure the victory.
2. How Many Passing Yards Did Tyler Shough Record Against the Titans?
Tyler Shough recorded 333 passing yards, completing 22 of 27 attempts. He threw two touchdown passes without an interception and finished with a 142.7 passer rating.
3. How Many Rushing Yards Did Audric Estime Have?
Audric Estime recorded 94 rushing yards on 14 carries. He averaged 6.7 yards per attempt and scored one touchdown on a 32-yard run.
4. Who Was the Leading Receiver in the Saints vs Titans Game?
Chris Olave was the leading receiver. He recorded eight receptions for 119 yards and one touchdown, with his longest reception covering 60 yards.
5. How Many Passing Yards Did Cam Ward Record?
Cam Ward recorded 251 passing yards and two touchdowns. He completed 21 of 40 attempts according to the supplied box-score figures and did not throw an interception.
6. Which Defensive Player Scored a Touchdown?
Chase Young scored a defensive touchdown for New Orleans after recovering a Tennessee fumble and returning it 33 yards. His play was one of the biggest turning points of the contest.
Conclusion
The December 28, 2025, meeting between the New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Titans demonstrated the importance of offensive efficiency, defensive playmaking, and effective execution during crucial moments.
New Orleans secured a 34-26 victory after overcoming a 20-10 halftime deficit. Tyler Shough delivered an outstanding passing performance with 333 yards and two touchdowns, while Chris Olave recorded 119 receiving yards and one score. Audric Estime contributed 94 rushing yards and scored the decisive rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.
The Saints also received an important defensive contribution from Chase Young, whose 33-yard fumble return produced a touchdown. Their defensive unit finished with four sacks and consistently pressured Cam Ward.
Tennessee had several positive individual performances. Ward threw two touchdowns, Tony Pollard rushed for 85 yards, Chig Okonkwo recorded 55 receiving yards and a touchdown, and Joey Slye converted all four field-goal attempts.
However, the Titans could not maintain their first-half advantage. Their six second-half points were insufficient against a New Orleans offense that scored 24 points after halftime.
Ultimately, the statistics show that the Saints won through a combination of accurate quarterback play, productive receiving, efficient rushing, and timely defensive scoring. The matchup also highlighted the development of both rookie quarterbacks and provided several memorable individual performances during Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season.
