The New Orleans Saints couldn’t play themselves to a thrilling come-from-behind win in their opener for the 2026 season, but did play themselves into a sense of confidence despite the loss.
Quarterback Tyler Shough impressed despite early struggles, wide receiver Chris Olave put up career highs and the defense kept the Saints alive while some familiar, frustrating roadblocks reared their ugly heads.
Here are the numbers behind the loss, both hopeful and limiting.
0 – For the 12th time in the era of head coach Kellen Moore, the Saints were held scoreless through the first quarter.
5 – Shough was sacked five times while also taking nine hits. The Saints also dropped five passes in the first half.
12 – Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs forced a career-high 12 missed tackles against the Saints.
62 – Rookie wide receiver Bryce Lance saw 62 snaps on offense in his debut, topping fellow rookie wideout Barion Brown (7) and veteran receiver Kevin Austin Jr. (5).
74.7 – Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry forced a 74.7 passer rating when targeted, allowing just four catches on seven targets.
134.5 – Shough had a 134.5 passer rating in the fourth quarter and overtime, improved from 55.0 over the first three quarters.
165 – The Lions had 169 rushing yards in the game.
182 – Olave set a career-high in receiving yards with 182 on nine receptions.
410 – Shough’s 410 passing yards were the most by a Saints quarterback since Drew Brees threw for 439 in 2018.
6,404 – Shough’s stat line going 34/56 for 410 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and two interceptions was the 6,404th unique quarterback stat line in NFL history.
