NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Take One: Winning matters
For the first time since the 2022 season, the Saints have won three games in a row.
Sunday against the Jets was their most dominant effort to date. All three phases came together to win big, 29-6 over one of the few opponents on their schedule the Saints were supposed to defeat.
It was also rookie head coach Kellen Moore’s best game to date. Moore was completely dialed in as a playcaller that kept the Jets off-balance all game. Plus, he had his team mentally dialed in despite playing a wounded opponent. He didn’t let success of the previous two wins derail their preparation and focus.
For the first time it feels like there’s true momentum building for this franchise. That’s why winning still matters despite being out of the playoffs.
Take Two: Tyler takes another step
Chalk up another win for Tyler Shough. Shough surpassed Archie Manning with most victories in franchise history by a rookie quarterback.
Sunday’s game took a much different path. Shough threw the ball often and had career highs in attempts, completions and yards by going 33/49 for 308 yards. His lone touchdown pass came on a beautifully designed play to Chris Olave.
Shough is not a perfect player. In fact, he took three sacks he probably should not have on Sunday. However, it’s impossible to ignore just how much his play has impacted this team. A big reason for this December surge is because of him.
Take Three: Taysom makes history
On a day his team needed him most with so players unavailable, Taysom Hill stepped up and made history in the process.
He became the first player in the Super Bowl era to have over 1000 career yards in passing, rushing and receiving. The final piece came on a fourth quarter reception.
It’s a truly unique accomplishment for maybe the most versatile player in the modern NFL history.
And it happened on what may very well have been his last game inside the Superdome. If that is indeed the case, his curtain call in front of the Who Dat nation was a true gem. At the 1:54 mark of the 4th quarter, Taysom dropped a dime on a perfectly called 38-yard touchdown pass to Chris Olave.
After the game, the emotion took over as he addressed reporters. He understood the reality of the moment. If this is the end of the line for Taysom, a 1-of-1 talent put an exclamation point of a 1-of-1 career Sunday.
Take Four: Sack Party
What else can be said about Brandon Staley’s defense? His side of the ball dominated the Jets offense Sunday.
New York only scored two field goals, gained 195 total yards and converted just two of 15 3rd downs. The Saints forced two turnovers and sacked Brady Cook eight times. Two of those were by Cam Jordan, who added another line to Hall of Fame resume by moving into 17th place all-time in sacks.
It was a truly dominant effort for a defense that’s quietly become one of the league’s best.
Take Five: Other Observations
Taysom’s big day could not have started worse when he fumbled on the second play of the game.Cam Jordan wasn’t as emotional as Taysom after the game and sure sounded like a guy very interested in extending his playing career in New Orleans. If this truly is it for Jordan, he’ll go down as the greatest defensive player in franchise history. Jonas Sanker jumped the route beautifully on his interception. It was his third takeaway of the season. Chris Olave was targeted early and often Sunday. He finished with ten receptions on 16 targets for 148 yards and two touchdowns. He nearly had three touchdowns but couldn’t quite come down with a first half throw from Shough. Didn’t think I’d like the Saints gold-on-gold jerseys, pants with black helmet combination but it worked. Next week the Saints travel to Nashville to face the Tennessee Titans. On paper, this once again looks like a very winnable game.
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