By Ross Jackson
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — It’s a snoozefest on the Hackensack River as the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants trade three-and-outs on their way to a 7-3 first half in favor of the Saints. Outside of a 9-play, 98-yard touchdown drive, there hasn’t been much to write home about in this one. At least not from a team perspective on either sideline.
However, the Saints are seeing some young stars arise at a time when they have the best opportunity to showcase their skills to the organization.
Second-year running back Kendre Miller has made a couple of eye-catching plays. His eight-yard rushing touchdown was an impressive display of balance and lower-body strength. He got some help from several offensive lineman to push him in as well. He also had a 31-yard kick return that set the Saints up in good field position – an opportunity of which the offense did not take advantage.
Meanwhile, 2023 first-round selection defensive tackle Bryan Bresee is having another great game against the Giants. After a multi-sack game last year, the Clemson defender has wrangled another sack in this game along with a pair of passes batted at the line of scrimmage.
However, outside of that, this game has lacked fireworks since the ones that were fired off during the National Anthem.
The Saints have their full complement of offensive linemen, however they are averaging an abysmal 2.6 yards per carry so far in the run game. Carr has completed over 68 percent of his passes (13-of-19), but New Orleans simply is not able to string together much success.
The two teams have combined for seven three-and-outs and a pair of turnovers on downs. Both clubs finished the first half with more punt yards than total net yards on offense.
New Orleans did have two field goal attempts, but both were missed. One from 54 yards out and another last-second attempt at the end of the half from 60 yards away was blocked. There have been no turnovers and Giants quarterback Drew Lock leads the team in rushing. This may have been one of the worst opening halves across all of the NFL season’s action so far.
New York will open the second half with the ball. At which time, hopefully this game will give fans something to cheer about.
