The New Orleans Saints lost to the Los Angeles Chargers 27-13 to start the preseason.
Injuries
The Saints faced a plethora of injuries in Sunday’s matchup, including injuries to wide receiver Bub Means, OL Will Clapp, tight end Mason Pline, and OL Trevor Penning. While the severities and clarifications on each injury haven’t been specified, four injuries to start the year are rough for the black and gold.
Saints Scoring
New Orleans only put up 13 points on the day, but had opportunities for more. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough took over at quarterback with 1:38 seconds left in the first half and led the team to the Chargers’ 13-yard line, where the team would settle for a 30-yard field goal by Blake Grupe.
The Saints’ next points would come after Shough threw a pick-six to veteran defensive back Eric Rogers. Shough responded on the next drive with a 54-yard bomb to second-year wide receiver Mason Tipton. Notably, Head Coach Kellen Moore called a pass on the first play after Shough threw the interception, and the touchdown call was on a throw that the rookie quarterback missed earlier in the game.
The final points for the Saints would come with just 10 seconds left in the match. Third-year quarterback Jake Haener drove the offense to the opposing 33-yard line, where second-year kicker Charlie Smyth would nail a 50-yard attempt.
Important Team Stats
Third down efficiency: 3/13
Sacks: 3
Rushing yards: 20 Att 61 yards 3.1 Avg
Penalties: 7 for 56 yards
Turnovers: 2 INT 1 FUM
Important Individual Stats
WR Kevin Austin Jr: 4 Rec 42 Rec yards 10.5 AVG
DE Fadil Diggs: 3/1 Tck/Ast 1 Sack
LB Jaylan Ford: 5/3 Tck/Ast
QB Spencer Rattler: 7/11 53 passing yards 3 Car 22rushing yards 1 Fum
QB Tyler Shough: 15/22 165 passing yards 1 TD 1 INT
QB Jake Haener 3/4 27 yards 1 INT
Saints start the preseason 0-1
With the loss, the Saints will begin the preseason 0-1. New Orleans will host the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Caesars Superdome next Sunday. While Spencer Rattler started the game against Los Angeles, it hasn’t been revealed who will get the start against the Jaguars.