By Ross Jackson
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — It wasn’t pretty, but it was the epitome of the phrase “a win’s a win.”
The New Orleans Saints got their fifth win of the year by narrowly escaping MetLife Stadium with a, 14-11, win over the New York Giants.
It was a long and arduous game that certainly did not light up the scoreboard. Short of a couple of plays here and there, this game featured two unsuccessful offenses trying to gather their footing. Fortunately for the Saints, they had more of the bigger plays in the moments that matter most.
But the concern may be greater than the relief for New Orleans when all is said and done. In the fourth quarter of the game, starting quarterback Derek Carr leapt in an attempt to pick up a first down on a second-and-nine rush. The leap may have been ill-advised, being that the team would have had a third and short opportunity one way or another. Carr had to then leave the game with an arm injury and to be evaluated for a concussion.
The game was then almost sealed by an interception by linebacker Demario Davis. But after not being able to pick up a first down on offense and second-year quarterback Jake Haener taking a tough sack, the Giants got one more opportunity.
It looked like the game would be headed to overtime, but as Giants kicker Graham Gano attempted a short field goal, defensive tackle Bryan Bresee got up high for a block to close out the win for New Orleans.
The Saints are now 5-8 on the season while the division continues to remain open. Young players made big plays and made a difference. But all may hang in the balance of Carr’s injury status for the remainder of the season. Should he miss time, it may be time to dust off the discourse around Haener and rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler to start in Carr’s place.
The Plays:
- Running back Kendre Miller powered his way to an eight-yard rushing touchdown with the air of his offensive line. The play produced the first score of the game.
- Tight end Foster Moreau came up with a great one-handed catch for 32 yards, putting the team in striking distance for another touchdown in the third quarter.
- Carr connected with tight end Juwan Johnson for an 11-yard touchdown pass to get the team their second touchdown of the game.
- Linebacker Demario Davis secured a key interception late in the fourth quarter, the team’s first takeaway since Week 10
- Bresee blocked a short Giants field goal attempt to seal the victory.
The Stats:
- Bresee’s game was outstanding. He registered a sack. He’s now got 7.5 on the season. He batted a pair of passes at the line of scrimmage and blocked the field goal at the end to win the game. It was a career game for the second-year defensive tackle.
- The Saints only ran for 92 team rushing yards against one for the NFL’s worst rushing defenses. The offensive line, which was finally healthy for the first time since Week 3, struggled mightily against the Giants defensive front.
- New Orleans finished with the same amount of total net yards as they did punt yards. (292)
The Injuries:
- Saints linebacker D’Marco Jackson left the game with an ankle injury. He was ruled out in the third quarter.
- New Orleans gunner and cornerback Rico Payton was checked out in the injury tent in the first half, but he returned to the game shortly thereafter.
- Carr left the game with what interim head coach Darren Rizzi called a left hand injury. He is also being evaluated for a concussion.
Lagniappe:
- A story to watch for later in the Saints schedule: Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aiden O’Connell was carted off the field in their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. With Gardner Minshew already shut down for the season, that means the Saints could be facing a familiar face in passer Desmond Ridder Week 17.
- Saints running back Alvin Kamara is now just 62 rushing yards shy of his first 1,000 rushing yard season.
