Another resilient display for the New Orleans Saints is likely to keep optimism high around the team after being able to close yet another second-half scoring deficit. Once down 14-3, the Saints tied the game again in the fourth quarter, much like their Week 2 effort against the Detroit Lions and then put together another late-game thriller. This time, one that ends in a 24-17 win.
The Story
Saints quarterback Tyler Shough does it again, leading a second-half surge following the 13th scoreless first quarter in the last 19 games. Despite another slow start from the Saints’ offense, Shough did a great job taking care of the football (no turnovers), improvising and finding his top pass-catching options in big moments.
The Saints (1-1) finished 8 of 14 on third downs (53%) with seven being converted on passes from Shough to his receivers.
Wideout Chris Olave again proved his value as the team’s top receiver making a number of clutch catches all over the field and winning the battle with Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey. Meanwhile, wide receiver Devaughn Vele and tight end Juwan Johnson made a handful of key plays to help the Saints pull off the upset victory.
The defense did their part as well, limiting a Ravens offense that dropped 41 points last week to just 17, including just three second-half points.
The team held all-world running back Derrick Henry to just 68 rushing yards and did a commendable job of keeping quarterback Lamar Jackson contained in the run game, while forcing him off of his timing in the passing game, especially in the second half.
The Saints, who were widely expected to open the season 0-2, stole one in Baltimore on the backs of late-game heroics, strong defensive play and one of their best special teams showings in years.
It took another second-half surge to get the team back in it after a low-scoring first half. But after wide receiver Barion Brown’s 53-yard kick return put the team in position to get a field goal before the half, the Saints came to life and sealed an improbable win in Baltimore, setting them up favorably for their home-opener against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3.
The Stats
- QB Tyler Shough: 27 of 34 (79.4%) for 252 passing yards and a passing touchdown with no interceptions in the passing game. Nine rushes for 23 rushing yards and the go-ahead rushing touchdown.
- WR Chris Olave: Eight catches for 86 receiving yards.
- TE Juwan Johnson: Four catches for 66 receiving yards.
- RB Travis Etienne Jr.: Eight carries for 35 rushing yards and a two-point conversion run.
- EDGE Chase Young: Two tackles with 1.5 sacks and a tackle for a loss.
- LB Kaden Elliss: Six tackles with two hits on the quarterback and a tackle for a loss.
- LB Pete Werner: 11 tackles with one sack with a tackle for a loss.
- CB Kool-Aid McKinstry: Three tackles with a PBUs.
- S Julian Blackmon: Two tackles and the game-sealing interception.
The Plays
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2101729027467661484?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2101746654890033383?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2101749869639610409?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2101753252777746895?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2101758039556575339?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2101753581594415524?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2101763269862019129?s=20
The Injuries
- Starting left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. left the game in the third quarter with an ankle injury. He was immediately ruled out after being taken off the field on an injury cart.
