While the defense allowed Rattler to connect with Olave with 14 seconds remaining in the third quarter, it held off New Orleans from adding another two on top of the touchdown. The Saints went for the two-point conversion to make it a one-possession game as they were down 21-16. The failed attempt kept the deficit at five and Buffalo only allowed another field goal.
“Just having to sit down, sit back, and really bunker in on the run stop,” Deone Walker said regarding adjustments on defense throughout the afternoon.
The defense forced two incompletions after the Bills went up another score to extend their lead. Joey Bosa interfered with Rattler’s ability to get a clean pass out to Olave after Shaq Thompson handled the first incompletion. Then on third-and-seven, Rattler connected with Shaheed, but Christian Benford caught him before he advanced enough for the first down. Tre’Davious White finished the job on that drive as New Orleans hoped to convert on fourth-and-three. Alvin Kamara made the catch, but White brought him down one yard short.
The Saints got the ball back just before the two minute warning, but the Buffalo defense was fired up and ready to end the game. Rattler missed a throw on first down and A.J. Epenesa was all over him on second down that solidified the fate of the Saints for the afternoon.
The sack pushed them back 11 yards and they were forced to eventually attempt another fourth down conversion. On fourth-and-six, Bosa pushed into the backfield, delivered another sack to Rattler, and forced a fumble. The defensive end had three tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, and one quarterback hit on Sunday.