The New Orleans Saints have secured their first preseason win of the Kellen Moore era with a 27-24 victory on Friday over the Dallas Cowboys. In the process, they quelled a lot of the concerns that were lingering after a concerning performance last weekend.
The team gained much needed momentum headed into the 2026 regular season and may have answered some of their biggest remaining questions.
The Story
The Saints looked like an entirely different team from the one that lost 34-0 last week to the Los Angeles Rams. Although the third team defense did a lot more breaking than bending, the first half of the game was outstanding from a number of factors.
Backup Quarterback
Spencer Rattler had a fantastic follow up to the Rams game, possibly sealing his job as the primary backup quarterback going into the 2026 season. He finished the first half with an efficient 8 of 10 for 79 passing yards and a rushing touchdown. Quarterback Zach Wilson was far from bad, but missed on a couple of big opportunities downfield.
Run Game
The Saints piled on 169 rushing yards with an average of 5.3 per carry and a trio of rushing touchdowns; one from Rattler, one from wide receiver Barion Brown on a jet sweep and another from new arrival at running back, Zamir White, on a great run up the middle in the red zone.
Discipline
The Saints finished with just four penalties for 39 yards. Meanwhile, they were very successful in the red zone. New Orleans cashed in three rushing touchdowns in four red zone possessions. The team was also stellar in special teams coverage, forcing Dallas to embark upon a number of long drives due to disadvantageous field position.
Field Goals
Recently acquired placekicker Daniel Carlson was 2 of 2 on the day with field goals from 38 and 53 yards. He’s now put himself in position to take the team’s place-kicking role with Charlie Smyth able to stick around as an International Practice Player.
The Saints can now take the good vibes back to New Orleans and begin preparations in earnest for the regular season with their first preseason win Aug. 10, 2024.
The Plays
HOLD THAT TIGER@BarionBrown in for the TD 🙌@LSUfootball | 📺: FOX-8 pic.twitter.com/BG36VMDvcK
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 29, 2026
TOUCHDOWN RATTLER!#Saints | 📺: FOX-8 pic.twitter.com/9fkseoQ4O8
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 29, 2026
Stalbird SACK 💪#Saints | 📺: FOX-8 pic.twitter.com/RuNoESr433
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 29, 2026
Zamir White runs into the endzone with ease 🤝#Saints | 📺: FOX-8 pic.twitter.com/S0X4wHyTEs
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 29, 2026
The Injuries
- After a strong start to the game, linebacker Jaylan Ford was tended to in the injury tent before heading back to the locker room.
- Estime was also tended to briefly after his 33-yard run. He remained on the sideline and did not retake the field.
- Running back CJ Donaldson remained on the field for a moment after coming down hard on his back after a running back screen. He returned to action shortly thereafter.
- Edge rusher Mike Heldman went into the injury tent late in the third quarter. He went to the locker room after being evaluated.
