×

Dolphins edge Saints after New Orleans’ late push

Nov 30, 2025 | 3:25 PM

Rich Storry-Imagn Images

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints drop their 10th game of the season for the third time in four years. Prior to that, the team hadn’t lost double-digit games in a season since 2005. This week’s loss to the Miami Dolphins appeared to stem from most of the same issues that have plagued the Saints all season: another slow start, more struggles on offense and leaky run defense. But a late-game surge gave the team some hope late. Unfortunately, a failed tush push ended the Saints’ run at 4th and 1. 

The Story

Saints head coach Kellen Moore may be an offensively-minded head coach, but his system continues to leave much to be desired. After generating no plays of more than 18 yards in last week’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the Saints’ longest offensive play against the Dolphins was good for just 17 yards. 

The team’s offense continues to be a major concern early in games, but thanks to the defense continuing to give the team a chance to catch a rhythm, the unit showed life down the stretch. Second-half connections between rookie quarterback Tyler Shough and wide receivers Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele and a well-executed onside kick by kicker Charlie Smyth gave New Orleans a chance down the stretch. But a questionable 4th-and-one call brought the game to a sudden close.

The Plays

The Stats

  • Kicker Charlie Smyth made his first career field goal from 56 yards out. He then followed it up with an onside kick, giving the team new life.
  • Shough completed 26 of his 38 passing attempts (68.4%) for 239 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and an interception. He also ran in for a two-point conversion.
  • Vele reeled in all eight of his targets for 93 receiving yards and a touchdown catch.
  • Olave caught four passes for 47 yards and a touchdown, but dropped one that could have been the game-winner down the stretch.
  • Running back Devin Neal carried the ball 14 times for 47 rushing yards.
  • Defenders Cam Jordan, Chase Young, and Bryan Bresee each notched a sack. Jordan had two.
  • Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry had an interception and a big fourth-down tackle.

The Injuries

  • Starting safety Justin Reid was ruled out with a knee injury.
Ross Jackson Signature

More New Orleans Saints

Dolphins edge Saints after New Orleans' late push
1h ago
Alvin Kamara headlines Saints' inactives vs. Dolphins
5h ago
Report: Saints' WR Chris Olave expected to play vs. Dolphins
8h ago
Saints select Charlie Smyth as Week 13 kicker
Nov 29, 2025
Report: Dolphins activating TE Darren Waller vs. Saints
Nov 29, 2025
Legion LA sports