NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Saints fell for a third consecutive game at home, this time 23-13 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Saints (1-4) did do without much to show on the positive side of the margin after another deflating performance at home in the Caeser’s Superdome.
The Story
After weeks of the Saints’ passing offense being the lifeblood of the team, it was nowhere to be found in a gritty matchup against Minnesota’s defense. The Vikings brought the pressure beyond what was expected, even for a defense led by aggressive coordinator Brian Flores.
Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, whose left hand was wrapped and gloved in this matchup following an injury in Monday’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The second-year quarterback had his least productive showing of the season, averaging just 3.9 yards per attempt and tossing two interceptions against the Vikings’ relentless pass rush that kept the Saints’ offense from picking up steam beyond one well-executed 15-play drive.
New Orleans’ defense contributed two fumble recoveries, including one return of 88 yards for a touchdown by STAR/slot defender Jonas Sanker.
But ultimately, it was another underwhelming performance in front of the home audience, who again poured out, leaving a strong contingent of fans cheering in purple Vikings’ jerseys for their club’s fifth victory of the season.
Meanwhile, the Saints are now 0-3 during their three-game home stand and are seeing any hopes of turning things around begin to slip away early in the season.
The Stats
- QB Tyler Shough: 16 of 25 (64.0%) for 96 passing yards and two interceptions.
- Shough passed former Saints quarterback Ken Stabler for No. 10 in all-time franchise passing yards.
- WR Chris Olave: four catches for 46 receiving yards.
- RB Kendre Miller: 10 carries for 30 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.
- EDGE Chase Young: one tackle, a half-sack and a fumble recovery.
- EDGE Carl Granderson: five total tackles, 1.5 sacks and two tackles for a loss.
- S Jonas Sanker: seven total tackles, one fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown (88-yard fumble return).
The Plays
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2109336678808670523?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2109340385105322445?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2109358302609965241?s=20
The Injuries
- Cornerback Quincy Riley was evaluated briefly on the sideline after making a tackle and coming up hurt in the third quarter. He was able to return a series later.
