The New Orleans Saints drop their home opener of the 2026 season on the backs of a terrible fourth-quarter performance against the Las Vegas Raiders.
At one point leading 27-16, New Orleans surrendered 19 consecutive points after a rash of turnovers struck in the game’s final frame.
While one was questionable, as it appeared quarterback Tyler Shough’s hand was moving forward on a sack fumble in the same fashion that was called incomplete in the game against the Detroit Lions, the defense couldn’t hold and four more turnovers ended the Saints’ hopes to tie things up.
The Story
The Saints may have had their best day on offense for three quarters. Shough was trending towards an excellent day with four passing touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a nightmare fourth-quarter.
A two-sack day from the Saints; star edge rusher Chase Young did earn New Orleans one more opportunity with 1:38 left in the fourth, but ultimately it wasn’t enough.
On four consecutive possessions, the Saints turned the ball over with a lost fumble, interception and back-to-back lost fumbles. Three giveaways were tied to pressure by the Raiders, which had been largely kept at bay over the first three quarters of the game.
The final miscue came on a catch and fumble by tight end Juwan Johnson who had been playing one of his best games as a pro from his two-touchdown reception day to his excellent blocking and even hustle on Shough’s interception, which caused a Raiders’ fumble and saved a pick-six.
The Saints fall to 1-2 on the backs of a heartbreaking performance, one that completely comes down to their own play. Removing the Las Vegas kneel down drive at the end of the game, the Saints defense gave up touchdowns on eight of the Raiders’ 11 possessions.
Add in their four fourth-quarter turnovers and even Shough’s first career four-touchdown game wasn’t enough to overcome the late-game meltdown.
The Stats
- QB Tyler Shough: 24 of 42 (69.0%) for 255 passing yards and four passing touchdown with one interceptions and two lost fumbles. He also had one rush for 36 rushing yards.
- WR Chris Olave: Nine catches for 107 receiving yards.
- TE Juwan Johnson: eight catches for 53 receiving yards and a lost fumble.
- RB Travis Etienne Jr.: 13 carries for 57 rushing yards. Two catches for 13 receiving yards.
- EDGE Chase Young: Two tackles with two sacks and two tackles for a loss.
- LB Kaden Elliss: Nine tackles including a tackle for a loss.
- CB Kool-Aid McKinstry: Five tackles with two passes defended.
- DL Khristian Boyd: Three tackles, one sack and two tackles for a loss.
The Plays
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2104309826905931788?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2104311305620394198?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2104313132995031099?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2104324547646247351?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2104336418289905674?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2104338330741604677?s=20
The Injuries
- Linebacker Pete Werner was designated questionable to return in the second quarter with a stinger.
- Edge rusher Carl Granderson was designated questionable to return in the third quarter with an ankle injury. He returned to action before the quarter was over.
- Etienne, who entered the game navigating a hamstring injury, was evaluated in the injury tent in the third quarter. He was soon escorted to the locker room.
- EDGE Anfernee Jennings also left the game with a knee injury.
