EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – It was a story of scoring surges for the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants exchanged streaks throughout in a much-needed 34-27 win for New Orleans. The Saints (2-4) will now head to Paris to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers after a win that should have been a blowout in New Jersey.
The Story
It was a thriller that should have never been. In the range of about 10 minutes, New Orleans scored 24 points against the host Giants to sprint out to a 24-10 lead.
The team then added another 10 points to extend the lead to 24. The Saints also pulled in four takeaways, including two interceptions against former Saints passer Jameis Winston who was eventually benched for J.J. McCarthy.
The backup quarterback then led a furious comeback of his own, driving New York to the red zone after narrowing the lead to just seven points.
What should have been a feel-good, bounce-back game for New Orleans instead turned into a narrow escape for the team’s second win – both on the road – this season.
The Saints showed some positives in this one, including rushing for 175 yards and an onslaught of takeaways. But the late-game let up is certain to create some lingering questions about the team’s performance.
The Stats
- QB Tyler Shough: 16 of 30 (53.3%) for 144 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown.
- WR Chris Olave: four catches for 43 receiving yards and a touchdown catch.
- RB Alvin Kamara became only the sixth player in NFL history to reach both 5,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards in a career. He had seven carries for 34 rushing yards and two receptions for 35 receiving yards and a touchdown catch-and-run.
- RB Kendre Miller: 20 carries for 70 rushing yards.
- EDGE Chase Young: three total tackles and 1.5 sacks.
- EDGE Carl Granderson: Four total tackles and 1.5 sacks.
- CB Martin Emerson Jr.: seven tackles including a tackle for a loss, two pass breakups and two interceptions.
- S Julian Blackmon: four total tackles and an interception.
The Plays
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2111885629562794236?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2111887394202964107?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2111892743773450376?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2111898057872687350?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2111899721883161018?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2111904090724733030?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2111904971260055922?s=20
- https://x.com/Saints/status/2111906235377172925?s=20
The Injuries
- Offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz was checked for a knee injury. He was questionable to return coming out of halftime, but did not return to play.
- Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry left the game early due to illness, a source told LouisianaSports.Net. He did not return.
