Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – The New Orleans Saints expectedly fell to the Buffalo Bills by a score of 31-19.
The contest proved to be about as anticipated with the Saints losing by multiple scores to one of the best teams in the NFL, but New Orleans still showed some progress and fight, especially relative to last week’s blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
THE STORY
The Saints came in with a clear gameplan: run the ball and show the Bills things they’d not seen from the team before. New Orleans had a good day on the ground rushing for nearly 200 yards, but had to get away from the ground game as the scoring deficit widened.
There was still no downfield passing attack for the team as quarterback Spencer Rattler didn’t cross the 100-yard passing mark until the fourth quarter and was sacked three times.
New Orleans competed for about 45 minutes of gametime, but in the fourth quarter, it became clear that the Bills were the better team on the field.
Some positives for the Saints included a steep drop in penalties, only four in this game with three being on the special teams unit, solid play from defensive rookies Jonas Sanker and Quincy Riley and some physical running from backs Kendre Miller and Alvin Kamara.
THE PLAYS
The Saints surrendered the game’s first touchdown on a 43-yard screen from Allen to wide receiver Khalil Shakir. Missed tackles by linebacker Demario Davis and rookie safety Jonas Sanker helped produce the score.
Khalil Shakir puts on the moves for a 43-yard TD!
NOvsBUF on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/9MamPqDeHg
— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025
Running back Kendre Miller scored the first Saints opening drive touchdown of the season. The touchdown was also the Saints’ first touchdown in any first quarter this season.
Yessirrrrrr😤
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/luooz9jl8l
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 28, 2025
Rookie safety Jonas Sanker reeled in the Saints’ first interception of the season.
First career INT for the rookie!!
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/tIqiCUT4Gz
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 28, 2025
Rattler connected with wide receiver Chris Olave for a second-half touchdown, cutting the Bills’ lead down to five points.
LET’S GOOOOO
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/2D4mXAmaxi
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 28, 2025
The Saints defense made a big fourth-down stop to give the offense a chance to take the lead in the fourth quarter.
NOWHERE TO GO
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/lXyds7HY0Z
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 28, 2025
THE STATS
The Saints committed just four penalties in this game, only one of which was on offense or defense, an intentional grounding penalty. However, the final penalty, roughing the punter infraction, served as a late turning point for the team.
New Orleans gained more than 100 rushing yards, the third time this season out of four games. The 186-yard total is the team’s best mark of the year thus far.
Miller and Kamara combined for 135 rushing yards.
Safety Jonas Sanker notched the Saints’ first interception of the season with the first of his career.
Rattler threw for just 125 passing yards and had only one passing attempt more than 20 yards down the field.
THE INJURIES
Saints tight end Juwan Johnson was checked out in the injury tent after going down awkwardly following a 17-yard reception. He was evaluated and then cleared to return for the next offensive possession.
Left guard Trevor Penning was quickly evaluated in the injury tent for an injury in the second quarter. He returned to the game during the next drive.
Cornerback Alontae Taylor was evaluated with a back injury after making a diving attempt to break up a third down pass. He was also cleared to return to action.
On a second-down scramble, right guard Cesar Ruiz appeared to have his ankle trapped under a teammate, possibly Rattler who was scrambling for yardage. He was replaced by rookie offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins. Ruiz was later carted off at halftime and ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Safety Justin Reid was evaluated for an undisclosed injury but quickly returned to the game.
