After nearly completing a furious comeback on the road, the New Orleans Saints traveled to Baltimore to take on the Ravens.
It was another slow start for the Saints as they found themselves in a double-digit hole in the first half. Coach Kellen Moore’s group rebounded in the second-half and took down the Ravens 24-17 to improve to 1-1 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Much like week one, the New Orleans Saints began the game slowly, totaling 34 yards through their first two drive. Kicker Daniel Carlson kicked a 23-yard field goal on the team’s third possession after Blatimore’s Tyler Loop had a 49-yard kick blocked by Carl Granderson to set up the offense in a short field. Tyler Shough connected with DeVaughn Vele for a 29-yard completion on 3rd & 13 on the drive.
Sandwiched in between those possessions was a pair of Ravens touchdowns. Running back Derrick Henry touched the ball seven out of the 12 plays, including getting a direct snap to score from one-yard out. The other score was when Baltimore went 80 yards in 10 plays with Rashod Bateman catching a 22-yard touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson with 24 seconds left in the second quarter.
Rookie Barion Brown returned the ensuing kickoff 53 yards to the Ravens’ 44-yard line. A 13-yard catch by Vele helped set up a 47-yard Carlson field goal to cut it to a 14-6 game at the half.
Both teams came out of the locker room and converted on field goal attempts to keep this an eight-point deficit for the Saints with 3:23 remaining in the third. Chase Young and Nathan Shepherd sacked Jackson on third down to set up the kick.
After that, the Saints reached pay dirt on back-to-back drives to take the first lead of the game. Quarterback Tyler Shough found receiver Chris Olave on multiple occasions, including a 21-yard score. The offense stayed on the field as Travis Etienne successfully converted on a two-point conversion to tie the game with under 10 minutes to play.
After forcing a three-and-out, New Orleans drove 68 yards in 16 plays, converting on multiple fourth downs. The second conversion came on 4th & GOAL when Shough tush pushed his way into the end zone to give the Saints the lead with 1:18 to go in the game.
Jackson had one last chance to keep the game alive, but overthrew a receiver and was intercepted by safety Julian Blackmon. The first and only turnover of the day secured the Saints the 24-17 win on the road, improving the team’s record to 1-1 through two weeks.
BIG NUMBER: 651
Etienne’s two-point conversion in the fourth quarter was New Orleans’ first successful attempt in 651 days. The last time it happened was on December 8th, 2024 against the New York Giants.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Tyler Shough
The Saints signal caller put on his cape in week two to will the team to a 24-17 win. Shough was 27/34 on the day with 252 passing yards, 23 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns.
UP NEXT: The New Orleans Saints will play in the Big Easy for the first time in the home opener next Sunday when they host the Las Vegas Raiders. Kickoff from the Caesars Superdome is set for noon on September 27th.