New Orleans Saints vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats
New Orleans Saints vs Miami Dolphins match player stats from November 30, 2025, tell the story of a game that changed direction after halftime. The Miami Dolphins defeated the New Orleans Saints 21-17, overcoming a second-half push from New Orleans after leading 16-0 through the opening two quarters. The box score shows a clear contrast between the teams: Miami produced 164 rushing yards at 5.1 yards per carry, while New Orleans managed 81 rushing yards at 3.0 yards per carry. At the same time, Saints quarterback Tyler Shough threw for 239 yards and two touchdowns, giving New Orleans enough passing production to make the game competitive late.
For anyone researching New Orleans Saints vs Miami Dolphins match player stats, the final score alone does not explain how the game unfolded. The individual numbers reveal several important details, including De’Von Achane’s 134 rushing yards, Shough’s 239 passing yards, Devaughn Vele’s 93 receiving yards, and Miami’s four successful field goals from Riley Patterson.
This breakdown examines the major player statistics from the game, explains what the numbers mean in context, and separates headline performances from the underlying team trends.
New Orleans Saints vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats at a Glance
The Dolphins entered the game with a 4-3 home record and improved their overall mark to 5-7. New Orleans fell to 2-10 overall and 1-5 on the road.
| Category | New Orleans Saints | Miami Dolphins |
| Final Score | 17 | 21 |
| First Quarter | 0 | 7 |
| Second Quarter | 0 | 9 |
| Third Quarter | 8 | 0 |
| Fourth Quarter | 9 | 5 |
| Team Passing | 239 yards | 157 yards |
| Team Rushing | 81 yards | 164 yards |
| Rushing Average | 3.0 | 5.1 |
| Passing TDs | 2 | 0 |
| Rushing TDs | 0 | 1 |
| Field Goals | 1 | 4 |
| Sacks Allowed | 4 | 4 |
| Interceptions Thrown | 1 | 1 |
| Defensive Sacks | 4 | 4 |
| Total Tackles | 66 | 79 |
The most obvious statistical difference was on the ground. Miami gained 83 more rushing yards than New Orleans. That difference helped the Dolphins control portions of the game despite producing only 157 passing yards.
New Orleans, meanwhile, relied much more heavily on its quarterback and passing attack after falling behind early.
How the Game Unfolded
The scoring pattern provides important context for the individual numbers.
Miami scored seven points in the first quarter and added another nine in the second. New Orleans failed to score during the opening half, leaving the Saints facing a 16-0 deficit.
The game changed dramatically after halftime.
New Orleans scored eight points in the third quarter while Miami was held scoreless. The Saints then added another nine points in the fourth quarter. Miami managed only five points in the final period, but those points were enough to preserve a four-point victory.
The quarter-by-quarter scoring was:
| Quarter | Saints | Dolphins |
| 1st | 0 | 7 |
| 2nd | 0 | 9 |
| 3rd | 8 | 0 |
| 4th | 9 | 5 |
| Total | 17 | 21 |
This sequence is important when studying the player statistics because the game script affected how both offenses operated.
New Orleans had greater urgency in the second half. That situation helps explain why Shough attempted 38 passes, while Miami’s passing offense remained comparatively limited at 23 attempts.
Saints Passing Performance
Tyler Shough was the central figure in New Orleans’ offensive production.
He completed 26 of 38 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 6.3 yards per attempt and finished with a 91.9 passer rating.
His complete statistical line was:
| Player | Comp/Att | Yards | Average | TD | INT | Sacks | Rating |
| Tyler Shough | 26/38 | 239 | 6.3 | 2 | 1 | 4-26 | 91.9 |
A completion rate of 26 completions on 38 attempts works out to approximately 68.4 percent. That was a productive completion rate, especially considering the Saints had to throw frequently while trying to erase a significant halftime deficit.
However, the four sacks and interception mattered.
Shough’s one lost fumble also appeared in the game statistics. Turnovers can become especially important in a close game, and the Saints ultimately lost by only four points.
Shough’s Second-Half Impact
The Saints offense was much more productive after halftime than it had been during the opening two quarters.
That does not mean the quarterback alone caused the change. Football production is connected to field position, protection, rushing efficiency, defensive adjustments, and game situation. Still, Shough’s final numbers demonstrate that New Orleans had a functioning passing attack despite spending much of the game playing from behind.
His two touchdown passes were particularly important because the Saints did not score a rushing touchdown.
Dolphins Passing Performance
Tua Tagovailoa finished with 12 completions on 23 attempts for 157 yards.
He averaged 6.8 yards per attempt but did not throw a touchdown pass. He also threw one interception and was sacked four times for 23 yards.
| Player | Comp/Att | Yards | Average | TD | INT | Sacks | Rating |
| Tua Tagovailoa | 12/23 | 157 | 6.8 | 0 | 1 | 4-23 | 55.9 |
Tagovailoa’s 55.9 rating was considerably lower than Shough’s 91.9. Yet the Dolphins still won.
That is an important lesson when analyzing football box scores. A quarterback does not have to lead every statistical category for his team to win. Miami compensated for its limited passing production with a much stronger rushing performance and reliable kicking.
The Dolphins attempted only 23 passes compared with 38 by New Orleans. That difference indicates how differently the two offenses were used in the game.
De’Von Achane Was the Biggest Rushing Factor
Among the individual New Orleans Saints vs Miami Dolphins match player stats, De’Von Achane’s rushing performance stands out.
Achane carried the ball 22 times for 134 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry, with a longest run of 29 yards.
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
| De’Von Achane | 22 | 134 | 6.1 | 1 | 29 |
His 134 yards accounted for most of Miami’s 164 team rushing yards.
That is significant because the Dolphins did not need to depend entirely on their passing game. Achane’s ability to generate consistent rushing production gave Miami another way to move the ball.
His 6.1-yard average was also substantially higher than New Orleans’ team rushing average of 3.0 yards per carry.
Miami’s Other Rushers
Jaylen Wright added 16 yards on three carries, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt.
Ollie Gordon II recorded 10 yards on three carries. Tagovailoa added four yards on four attempts.
The complete Miami rushing figures were:
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
| De’Von Achane | 22 | 134 | 6.1 | 1 | 29 |
| Jaylen Wright | 3 | 16 | 5.3 | 0 | 8 |
| Ollie Gordon II | 3 | 10 | 3.3 | 0 | 9 |
| Tua Tagovailoa | 4 | 4 | 1.0 | 0 | 3 |
| Team | 32 | 164 | 5.1 | 1 | 29 |
The team total shows that Miami’s rushing attack was not simply a one-player statistic. Achane provided the majority of the production, while the other runners contributed enough to keep the overall ground game effective.
Saints Rushing Production
New Orleans had a much harder time running the football.
The Saints recorded 81 rushing yards on 27 attempts, averaging 3.0 yards per carry. No Saints player scored a rushing touchdown.
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
| Devin Neal | 14 | 47 | 3.4 | 0 | 8 |
| Tyler Shough | 6 | 18 | 3.0 | 0 | 8 |
| Evan Hull | 5 | 15 | 3.0 | 0 | 5 |
| Taysom Hill | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 0 | 2 |
| Mason Tipton | 1 | -1 | -1.0 | 0 | -1 |
| Team | 27 | 81 | 3.0 | 0 | 8 |
Devin Neal led the Saints with 47 rushing yards on 14 attempts.
Shough’s six carries produced 18 yards, while Evan Hull gained 15 yards on five carries.
The biggest difference compared with Miami was efficiency. New Orleans averaged exactly 3.0 yards per rushing attempt, while Miami averaged 5.1.
That 2.1-yard-per-carry gap becomes meaningful across dozens of offensive plays.
Saints Receiving Leaders
Although New Orleans struggled to run the football, its passing game produced several productive individual performances.
Devaughn Vele led the Saints in receiving yardage with eight receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown.
Chris Olave added four receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown.
Juwan Johnson caught five passes for 39 yards, while Devin Neal contributed three receptions for 22 yards.
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD | Long | Targets |
| Devaughn Vele | 8 | 93 | 11.6 | 1 | 15 | 8 |
| Chris Olave | 4 | 47 | 11.8 | 1 | 17 | 8 |
| Juwan Johnson | 5 | 39 | 7.8 | 0 | 11 | 7 |
| Devin Neal | 3 | 22 | 7.3 | 0 | 10 | 9 |
| Mason Tipton | 3 | 20 | 6.7 | 0 | 10 | 3 |
| Foster Moreau | 2 | 13 | 6.5 | 0 | 7 | 4 |
| Taysom Hill | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 0 | 5 | 2 |
| Team | 26 | 239 | 9.2 | 2 | 17 | 34 |
Vele’s eight receptions and 93 yards made him the leading Saints receiver by yardage.
Olave’s four catches produced 47 yards and a touchdown. His 17-yard longest reception was the biggest individual receiving play among the listed Saints receivers.
An interesting detail is Devin Neal’s nine targets. He caught only three of those passes, showing that target volume and receiving production are not always the same thing.
Dolphins Receiving Leaders
Miami’s receiving statistics looked very different from New Orleans’ numbers.
Darren Waller led the Dolphins with 47 receiving yards on two catches. One of those receptions went for 34 yards.
Jaylen Waddle caught three passes for 40 yards, while Malik Washington recorded four receptions for 30 yards.
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD | Long | Targets |
| Darren Waller | 2 | 47 | 23.5 | 0 | 34 | 3 |
| Jaylen Waddle | 3 | 40 | 13.3 | 0 | 22 | 6 |
| Malik Washington | 4 | 30 | 7.5 | 0 | 19 | 5 |
| Greg Dulcich | 2 | 24 | 12.0 | 0 | 21 | 2 |
| Cedrick Wilson Jr. | 1 | 16 | 16.0 | 0 | 16 | 2 |
| Julian Hill | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| De’Von Achane | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Team | 12 | 157 | 13.1 | 0 | 34 | 20 |
Waller’s 23.5 yards per reception was the highest average among the Dolphins players with multiple receptions.
The Dolphins completed only 12 passes, compared with 26 completions by the Saints. Yet Miami still produced 157 passing yards because several receptions generated significant yardage.
That is another reason not to judge passing performance solely by completion totals.
New Orleans Receiving Efficiency
The Saints had 34 total targets and completed 26 passes.
Their 239 receiving yards matched Shough’s passing total, while the team averaged 9.2 yards per reception.
The Saints also scored two receiving touchdowns.
Vele and Olave were responsible for those two touchdown receptions.
The Saints’ receiving distribution was relatively broad, with seven players recording at least one reception. That gave Shough several options, although the offense ultimately had to overcome the lack of rushing production.
Miami’s Efficient Passing Profile
Miami’s receiving unit produced 157 yards from 12 completions.
That worked out to 13.1 yards per reception, substantially higher than New Orleans’ 9.2.
This difference illustrates how two passing attacks can reach similar yardage totals through different methods. New Orleans accumulated more completions, while Miami’s completed passes generated more yards on average.
The Dolphins also had 20 total targets, compared with 34 for New Orleans.
Defensive Player Statistics
The defensive numbers were closely matched in several major categories.
New Orleans recorded four sacks, while Miami also recorded four.
The Saints finished with 66 total tackles, including 34 solo tackles. Miami recorded 79 tackles, with 42 solo tackles.
| Defensive Category | Saints | Dolphins |
| Total Tackles | 66 | 79 |
| Solo Tackles | 34 | 42 |
| Sacks | 4 | 4 |
| Tackles for Loss | 7 | 5 |
| Passes Defended | 3 | 6 |
| QB Hits | 6 | 8 |
| Defensive TDs | 0 | 0 |
The Saints generated more tackles for loss, seven compared with five, but Miami recorded more passes defended and quarterback hits.
Both defenses finished with four sacks.
The quarterback pressure numbers are especially relevant because both Shough and Tagovailoa were sacked four times.
Interceptions and Turnovers
Each team intercepted the opposing quarterback once.
Kool-Aid McKinstry recorded the Saints’ interception. Rasul Douglas recorded Miami’s interception and returned it 38 yards.
The turnover statistics were:
| Team | Player | Interceptions | Return Yards | TD |
| Saints | Kool-Aid McKinstry | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dolphins | Rasul Douglas | 1 | 38 | 0 |
Shough also lost a fumble.
Tagovailoa had one fumble but did not lose it. Zach Sieler recovered that Dolphins fumble.
These plays matter because New Orleans had enough offensive production to make the game close, but turnovers and field position contributed to the final margin.
Special Teams Played a Major Role
The kicking numbers provide one of the clearest explanations for Miami’s victory.
Riley Patterson converted all four of his field-goal attempts and made his extra-point attempt. He finished with 13 points.
Charlie Smyth made New Orleans’ only field-goal attempt, a 56-yard kick, for three points.
| Kicker | FG | FG % | Long | XP | Points |
| Charlie Smyth | 1/1 | 100% | 56 | 0/0 | 3 |
| Riley Patterson | 4/4 | 100% | 48 | 1/1 | 13 |
Patterson’s four field goals accounted for more points than any individual Dolphins touchdown-producing statistic in the supplied box score.
That is a critical part of understanding the final score. Miami did not rely on passing touchdowns to win. The team combined one rushing touchdown with accurate kicking.
Punting Statistics
Kai Kroeger punted six times for New Orleans, totaling 293 yards.
His average was 48.8 yards per punt, with a longest punt of 60 yards. Three punts landed inside the 20-yard line.
Jake Bailey punted four times for Miami for 201 yards. His average was 50.3 yards, with a longest punt of 54 yards and two punts inside the 20.
| Punter | Punts | Yards | Average | Long | Inside 20 | Touchbacks |
| Kai Kroeger | 6 | 293 | 48.8 | 60 | 3 | 1 |
| Jake Bailey | 4 | 201 | 50.3 | 54 | 2 | 0 |
The Dolphins had fewer punts, which is consistent with their stronger overall rushing production and ability to sustain offensive possessions.
Kick and Punt Returns
Mason Tipton handled two Saints kick returns for 58 yards, averaging 29.0 yards per return.
Dante Pettis also returned two kicks for 47 yards and added two punt returns for 12 yards.
For Miami, Malik Washington recorded two kick returns for 45 yards and one punt return for five yards.
No kick or punt return produced a touchdown.
The Biggest Statistical Difference: Rushing
The most important team-level difference in these New Orleans Saints vs Miami Dolphins match player stats is the rushing production.
Miami:
- 32 carries
- 164 yards
- 5.1 yards per carry
- 1 rushing touchdown
- 29-yard longest run
New Orleans:
- 27 carries
- 81 yards
- 3.0 yards per carry
- 0 rushing touchdowns
- 8-yard longest run
Miami gained 83 more rushing yards.
The Dolphins also averaged 2.1 more yards per carry.
That combination helped offset their lower passing volume and lack of passing touchdowns.
Passing Versus Rushing: Two Very Different Offensive Approaches
New Orleans generated 239 passing yards compared with 81 rushing yards.
Miami produced 157 passing yards and 164 rushing yards.
The contrast is striking.
| Offensive Area | Saints | Dolphins |
| Passing Yards | 239 | 157 |
| Rushing Yards | 81 | 164 |
| Passing TDs | 2 | 0 |
| Rushing TDs | 0 | 1 |
| Total Passing Attempts | 38 | 23 |
| Total Rushing Attempts | 27 | 32 |
New Orleans had 320 combined passing and rushing yards.
Miami had 321.
So the teams produced almost exactly the same combined yardage through passing and rushing, but they reached that total through very different offensive formulas.
This is one of the most useful insights in the box score.
The Dolphins did not necessarily win because they produced dramatically more total offensive yardage. They won while distributing their production differently, particularly through the running game and kicking game.
Why the Final Four-Point Margin Matters
Miami won 21-17, meaning the margin was only four points.
That makes individual scoring plays particularly important.
The Dolphins scored 16 points before halftime and then added five points after the break.
The Saints scored all 17 of their points after halftime.
That means New Orleans demonstrated a significant second-half scoring response, but Miami’s early advantage proved sufficient.
A four-point margin also means that field goals had a direct effect on the final outcome. Patterson’s four successful field goals provided 12 points before considering his extra point.
What the Player Stats Reveal About Each Team
The box score provides several useful conclusions without needing to rely on assumptions beyond the recorded numbers.
New Orleans Had the More Productive Passing Game
Shough threw for 239 yards and two touchdowns, while Tagovailoa threw for 157 yards with no touchdowns.
New Orleans also completed 26 passes compared with Miami’s 12.
The Saints therefore had the larger passing output.
Miami Had the Stronger Ground Game
The Dolphins ran for 164 yards.
Achane alone produced 134.
New Orleans managed only 81 rushing yards.
This was the clearest statistical advantage in the game.
Both Quarterbacks Faced Pressure
Each quarterback was sacked four times.
The Saints recorded six quarterback hits against Miami, while the Dolphins registered eight against New Orleans.
That indicates both passing games operated under significant defensive pressure.
Special Teams Helped Miami Build Its Lead
Patterson converted four field goals.
Smyth converted one.
The kicking difference was 13 points for Miami compared with three for New Orleans.
A Closer Look at Tyler Shough’s Performance
Shough’s final line is interesting because it combines strong production with several negative plays.
He completed 68.4 percent of his passes and threw two touchdowns.
However, he was intercepted once, lost a fumble, and was sacked four times.
Those numbers show why quarterback analysis should include more than completion percentage and touchdown totals.
The Saints needed Shough to throw 38 passes because of the game situation. His 239 yards helped bring the team back into contention, but the offense could not completely overcome the early deficit.
A Closer Look at De’Von Achane’s Performance
Achane’s 134 rushing yards were the highest individual rushing total in the game by a wide margin.
He carried 22 times, meaning he accounted for 68.75 percent of Miami’s 32 rushing attempts.
His 6.1-yard average also shows that his production was not based on one isolated long run. His longest run was 29 yards, leaving substantial production across his other carries as well.
The touchdown added direct scoring value.
His performance was therefore important both in volume and efficiency.
A Closer Look at Devaughn Vele
Vele finished with eight receptions for 93 yards and one touchdown.
His eight receptions tied his target total, meaning he caught every listed target.
His 93 yards represented a substantial portion of New Orleans’ 239 passing yards.
Vele’s performance was particularly important because the Saints needed reliable receiving production while attempting to recover from the first-half deficit.
A Closer Look at Darren Waller
Waller caught only two passes, but those receptions produced 47 yards.
His 34-yard reception was the longest completed pass listed among Miami’s receivers.
That gives him an interesting statistical profile: relatively low volume but significant yardage per catch.
His 23.5 yards per reception was the highest among the Dolphins players listed with receptions.
New Orleans Saints vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats: Key Numbers
For readers looking for the most important figures quickly, these are the numbers that deserve attention:
- Final score: Dolphins 21, Saints 17
- Tyler Shough: 26/38, 239 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
- Tua Tagovailoa: 12/23, 157 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
- De’Von Achane: 22 carries, 134 yards, 1 TD
- Devin Neal: 14 carries, 47 yards
- Devaughn Vele: 8 receptions, 93 yards, 1 TD
- Chris Olave: 4 receptions, 47 yards, 1 TD
- Darren Waller: 2 receptions, 47 yards
- Jaylen Waddle: 3 receptions, 40 yards
- Saints rushing: 81 yards
- Dolphins rushing: 164 yards
- Saints sacks: 4
- Dolphins sacks: 4
- Saints interceptions: 1
- Dolphins interceptions: 1
- Riley Patterson: 4/4 field goals
- Charlie Smyth: 1/1 field goal
These numbers capture the basic statistical shape of the game: New Orleans was stronger through the air, while Miami was stronger on the ground and more productive on field goals.
What to Look For When Comparing NFL Box Scores
A useful player-stat analysis should go beyond identifying the player with the most yards.
When reviewing a game like this, several measurements should be considered together.
Volume
How many opportunities did a player receive?
Achane had 22 rushing attempts. Waller had only three targets.
Efficiency
How much did the player produce per opportunity?
Achane averaged 6.1 yards per carry. Waller averaged 23.5 yards per reception.
Scoring
Did the production directly contribute to points?
Achane scored a rushing touchdown. Vele and Olave each caught a touchdown.
Negative Plays
Did turnovers, sacks, or lost yardage reduce otherwise strong production?
Shough threw an interception, lost a fumble, and was sacked four times.
Game Context
Was the team leading, trailing, or playing in a close game?
New Orleans spent the first half trailing 16-0, which influenced the passing volume in the second half.
Using all of these factors provides a more accurate picture than looking at a single statistic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the New Orleans Saints vs Miami Dolphins game?
The Miami Dolphins defeated the New Orleans Saints 21-17 on November 30, 2025.
How many passing yards did Tyler Shough have?
Tyler Shough completed 26 of 38 passes for 239 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
How many rushing yards did De’Von Achane have?
De’Von Achane rushed 22 times for 134 yards and one touchdown, averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
Who was the Saints’ leading receiver?
Devaughn Vele led New Orleans with eight receptions for 93 yards and one touchdown.
How many field goals did Riley Patterson make?
Riley Patterson made all four of his field-goal attempts and finished with 13 points.
What was the biggest team statistical difference?
The biggest difference was rushing production. Miami recorded 164 rushing yards compared with 81 for New Orleans, a difference of 83 yards.
Conclusion
The New Orleans Saints vs Miami Dolphins match player stats show a game defined by contrasting offensive strengths.
New Orleans produced 239 passing yards and two passing touchdowns through Tyler Shough, with Devaughn Vele and Chris Olave providing the team’s two receiving touchdowns. The Saints also produced a strong second-half response after entering halftime without a point.
Miami relied much more heavily on its rushing attack. De’Von Achane led the way with 134 yards and a touchdown, while the Dolphins finished with 164 rushing yards at 5.1 yards per carry. Their passing game produced 157 yards, but four successful field goals from Riley Patterson added 13 points.
The final 21-17 score reflects how closely the game finished, but the underlying numbers explain why Miami was able to hold on. The Dolphins established a significant rushing advantage, converted all four field-goal attempts, and built a 16-point halftime lead. New Orleans produced the better passing numbers and scored all 17 of its points after halftime, but the late comeback was not enough to erase Miami’s early advantage.
For readers studying NFL player statistics, this game is a useful example of why box-score analysis should consider the complete picture. Passing production, rushing efficiency, turnovers, defensive pressure, kicking accuracy, and game situation all contributed to the final result.
