Tyler Shough

The Saints won't be making the playoffs this season, but head coach Kellen Moore said on Sunday that they are still playing "really, really important football" because it is a chance for them to create the habits that will allow them to thrive in meaningful situations in the future.

A would-be 62-yard field goal attempt was cut to a more manageable 47-yard effort after a borderline late hit.

A would-be 62-yard field goal attempt was cut to a more manageable 47-yard effort after a borderline late hit.

Shough completed 24 of 32 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 20-17 win over the Panthers. He also rushed eight times for 32 yards.

Panthers defenders were flagged at least three times for deserved unnecessary roughness penalties against Shough today. Panthers DT Derrick Brown, LB Christian Rozeboom and S Lathan Ransom all lowered their shoulders on Shough after he had given himself up by sliding at the end of a scramble. He briefly met with the training staff after taking Rozeboom's knee in his lower right back and glute, but was able to return, and ended up leading his team in rushing. Shough relied heavily on WR Devaughn Vele until Vele left with a shoulder injury. The departure seemingly reminded Shough of WR Chris Olave's existence, leading the two to link up for four completions, 62 yards and one touchdown on the Saints' seventh drive. Shough is a mildly interesting QB2 against the Jets next week.