The New Orleans Saints opened their season with a thrilling game, but came up shy in overtime. The Saints fell on the road 31-30 to the Detroit Lions in a game that looked like it was going to be much, much worse.
The Story
The record will only show the loss, but the Saints put together a comeback that made a statement that they are a team that shouldn’t be counted out.
Even though the Saints trailed 21-0 by the middle of the third quarter, quarterback Tyler Shough and the offense were able to right the ship, after a hapless start on offense, to bring them within one point of tying the game. Instead, Head coach Kellen Moore went for two and the win after Shough’s third touchdown.
The classic sprint out play call came up short, but getting to that point is the major story here.
After the Saints’ defense did everything it could to keep the score manageable through the first half, things started to get away from them after back-to-back turnovers put the Lions in advantageous field position.
After that, the offense came to life. Shough and his top wideout Chris Olave helped to lead the way with career-highs in yardage to force the extra frame. Shough threw for 410 passing yards, with 182 going Olave’s way.
The Saints still have plenty to fix, especially on offense. Slow starts to both halves again almost sunk the team, a disappointing run game and a terrible day for the offensive line, who surrendered five sacks and failed to pave the way in the aforementioned rushing attack, all ended up being just too much to overcome, although the Saints were only one play away from doing so.
This is a game that strengthens the belief that the Saints are headed in the right direction but still have some pivotal flaws to correct to turn these close losses into victories. The sooner the team can address those blemishes, the quicker they can fast track their path to success.
Had it not been for a highly controversial decision to overturn a sack fumble by edge rusher Chase Young that was returned for a touchdown by STAR/slot defender Jonas Sanker, this one could have been an exciting first win for New Orleans.
The Stats
- Shough went 35 of 56 for 410 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and an interception. He was also sacked five times. It was the first 400-yard passing game by a Saints quarterback since 2018.
- Olave reeled in 10 receptions for 182 receiving yards.
- Wide receiver Devaughn Vele had seven receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown reception.
- Running back Travis Etienne Jr. ran nine times for 46 rushing yards, averaging 5.1 per carry.
- Edge rusher Carl Granderson wrangled the Saints’ lone sack of the day.
- Sanker led the defense with 10 combined tackles.
The Injuries
- Saints linebacker Isaiah Stalbird was banged up on a special teams coverage play. He remained in the game after being evaluated by training staff.
- Olave visited the injury tent a pair of times during the game only to return to action both times.
- Rookie defensive lineman Christen Miller limped off the field late in the fourth quarter.
