Michael Bacigalupi
By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS, La. – After a strong win in Week 10 and bye week break, the New Orleans Saints reverted to another slow start and underwhelming offensive production. Neither were helped with kicker Blake Grupe continuing his struggling season, missing two field goal attempts that would have narrowed the team’s lead. After failing to build on the momentum that the team was building, the Saints dropped an important rivalry game to the Atlanta Falcons 24-10.
The Story
It turns out a win against the Carolina Panthers wasn’t enough to propel the Saints past themselves, especially on offense. While rookie quarterback Tyler Shough was impressive, completing better than 70% of his passes through most of the fourth quarter, poor play calling and execution downed New Orleans in a game that was wide open as the defense held its own until late.
New Orleans came up empty in the red zone, worsening their already-league worst touchdown percentage inside of 20 yards from the end zone. Meanwhile, a key injury to running back Alvin Kamara doesn’t improve the outlook of the team’s potential down the stretch, with a pair of wideouts recently departed.
Grupe’s missed field goals were again a sore spot for the Saints and their fans in attendance. The kicker entered the game with one of the league’s lowest field goal percentages, sinking just 73.7% of his kicks. After Sunday’s performance against the Falcons, it seems an opportune chance to get a look at what practice squad kicker Charlie Smyth has to offer.
The Plays
Watch out, Chase Young coming through 🚊
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/YTsBPsI9m0
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 23, 2025
If there’s a QB in a Falcons jersey, Cam Jordan will find a way to sack them.
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/K4MUWBx7nd
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 23, 2025
OH NO KIRKO
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/9bm4z7eQcP
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 23, 2025
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again 🤣
Isaiah Stalbird with his first career sack!
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/DSM7lHMBGZ
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 23, 2025
Real Deal Neal 💥
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/9FdwFn9eMb
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 23, 2025
The Stats
- Shough completed 30 of his 42 passing attempts (69.8%) for 243 passing yards. He threw no passing touchdowns and one interception. He was sacked five times.
- Rookie running back Devin Neal ran seven times for 18 rushing yards and was the Saints’ third-leading receiver with 43 yards through the air.
- Wide receiver Chris Olave led the team in receiving with 70 yards.
- Defensive ends Cameron Jordan and Chase Young each had a sack on the day, along with linebacker Isaiah Stalbird.
- The lone touchdown scored by the Saints came by way of the defense, thanks to a pick-6 by safety Justin Reid.
- The Saints struggled again in the red zone scoring no touchdowns on three red zone possessions.
- New Orleans averaged just 2.8 yards per rush with backs Kamara and Neal averaging just 2.9 per carry.
The Injuries
- Kamara was evaluated in the injury tent for a brief moment in the second quarter after an awkward tackle earlier in the game. He returned to the sideline shortly after, but went into the locker room. He was ruled out at halftime.
- Shough appeared banged up at the end of the game. That will be important to watch ahead of next week’s game against the Miami Dolphins.
