New Orleans Saints
Saints sweep Panthers, win first playoff meeting in 2017
The 2017 season was the New Orleans Saints' 51st in the National Football League (NFL), their 42nd playing home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and their 11th under head coach Sean Payton. Thanks to a significantly improved defense and consistent quality on offense, the team improved on their 7–9 output from the previous three seasons, while achieving an eight-game winning streak after losing their first two contests, their longest streak (tied with their 2011 team) since 2009, when they won Super Bowl XLIV. In Week 13 the Saints clinched their first winning season since 2013 and swept the Carolina Panthers for the first time since 2011. In Week 16, the Saints clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2013 by defeating the Atlanta Falcons. In Week 17, the Saints clinched the NFC South for the first time since 2011 with the Panthers loss to the Falcons. This was the first of four consecutive NFC South titles for the Saints. On January 7, 2018 the Saints played their divisional rival Carolina Panthers in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. They beat Carolina 31–26 in the Wild Card, but lost 29–24 to the Minnesota Vikings in the Divisional Round in a shocking ending. This year was Tom Benson's final season as owner of the Saints, as he died at the age of 90 on March 15, 2018 from influenza.
- notable_coaches
- ['Kellen Moore']
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Lore & Background
The 2017 Saints swept the Carolina Panthers for the first time since 2011 and met them in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, winning 31–26 in the Wild Card round.
In Their Own Story
The turning point arrived in Week 8 against the division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Before the game, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield made comments suggesting that the Saints play dirty. During the game, quarterback Spencer Rattler was benched in favor of rookie Tyler Shough due to his poor performance. Shough was named the starter the following week in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams and remained the starter for the remainder of the season. The Saints fell to 1–7, their worst start since 1999. But the rookie provided a spark. In Week 10 at the Carolina Panthers, Shough threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Saints to their second win of the season. The team would go on to win four of their last five games, but the hole was too deep.
Reader's Guide
The Saints' 2017 season included an eight-game winning streak after an 0–2 start, a sweep of the Carolina Panthers, and a playoff victory over the Panthers. They clinched the NFC South in Week 17 with the Panthers' loss to the Falcons.
Did You Know?
- The Saints swept the Carolina Panthers for the first time since 2011.
- The Saints played the Carolina Panthers in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history on January 7, 2018, winning 31–26.
- The Saints clinched their first winning season since 2013 in Week 13.
- The Saints clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2013 in Week 16.
A Historic Turnover at Quarterback
The 2025 season marked a pivotal shift at quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. After a 1–7 start, head coach Kellen Moore benched starting quarterback Spencer Rattler in Week 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to his poor performance. The move came after Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield made comments suggesting the Saints play dirty. Rookie Tyler Shough, selected by the Saints in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft, took over. He made his first NFL start in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams, a loss that dropped the Saints to 1–8. Shough remained the starter for the remainder of the season, leading the team to a late-season surge. In Week 10 at the Carolina Panthers, he threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns to secure the team's second win.
A Season of Struggle and Late Resurgence
The Saints' 2025 campaign was defined by a historically poor start and a determined late-season rally. They started 0–4 for the first time since 2012 and fell to 2–10 for the first time since 1999 after a Week 13 loss to the Miami Dolphins, which also eliminated them from playoff contention for the fifth straight year. The losing streak included being swept by the NFC West and suffering blowout defeats. However, the narrative shifted dramatically in December. After falling to 2–10, the Saints won four of their final five games, securing their longest win streak since 2020. This late surge allowed them to improve upon the previous year's 5–12 record, finishing with six wins after a Week 17 victory against the Tennessee Titans.
Divisional Rivalries and Conference Standings
Despite their late improvement, the Saints finished dead last in the NFC South at 6–11, with a 3–3 record against the division. They were swept by the Atlanta Falcons for the first time since 2016 after a heartbreaking Week 18 loss, where an interception by Falcons cornerback Dee Alford set up a game-deciding field goal. Ironically, this final game determined the division title for the Carolina Panthers, as the Saints' loss left the Buccaneers, Falcons, and Panthers tied at 8–9. The Panthers secured the division based on a superior head-to-head record. The Saints did manage to sweep the Carolina Panthers for the first time since 2023 and snap a three-game losing streak against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a Week 14 win.
Legacy Milestones and Fan Support
Beyond the on-field results, the 2025 season featured a unique historical achievement. Taysom Hill’s receiving total in Week 16 against the New York Jets brought him to 1,002 career yards, making him the first player in the Super Bowl era to have more than 1,000 career yards passing, rushing, and receiving. Despite the team's struggles, fan support remained strong. The New Orleans Saints drew an average home attendance of 70,012 at the Caesars Superdome, which hosted its 50th season of games, ranking as the 14th-highest in the NFL.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints rivalry begin?
Although both teams were established in the 1990s, their intense divisional rivalry officially ignited after the 2002 NFL realignment placed them together in the NFC South. Prior to this, they met occasionally as interconference opponents starting in 1995, but the frequency of games skyrocketed once they became division rivals.
Why is the Saints-Panthers rivalry considered so intense?
The feud escalated into one of the league's most physical contests due to high-stakes playoff implications and contrasting team cultures within the same geographic region. Every matchup often carries significant weight for determining the NFC South title, fueling a passionate and aggressive atmosphere between the two franchises.
Which coaches have been central figures in this rivalry?
Key coaching figures include Jim Mora and Sean Payton on the Saints side, who helped define the team's identity during their rise to prominence. On the Panthers' side, Ron Rivera is a notable leader who has navigated these critical divisional battles against New Orleans.
What role does this rivalry play in NFC South history?
This matchup serves as a defining chapter of the division, frequently deciding which team advances to the postseason or secures home-field advantage. The consistent competitiveness between Carolina and New Orleans has made their annual games some of the most anticipated events in Southern football.
How do the Panthers and Saints differ in their regional identities?
While both teams represent the Deep South, they have developed distinct fan bases and organizational styles that clash whenever they meet on the gridiron. These cultural differences, combined with the proximity of Charlotte and New Orleans, add a unique layer of regional pride to every contest.
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