The Saints losing to the Raiders will hurt their rankings, but how much as their were some strong performances in the Superdome on Sunday.
NFL.com – 16 (-2)
“Instead of putting it all together in the fourth quarter as they had in their first two games, the Saints inverted on Sunday, falling apart in spectacular fashion in a loss to the Raiders. Tyler Shough’s fourth-quarter clutch gene disappeared in a wild game that should serve as a bit of humble pie for an upstart team that could benefit from such a lesson in late
September.“
Fox Sports – 15 (=)
“They are so close to being a 3-0 team, and yet they are 1-2 and really so far away. Their latest … um … fumble came against the Raiders when their last four possessions ended with three fumbles and an interception. That spoiled what was previously a brilliant game by QB Tyler Shough.
With Shough, WR Chris Olave, and head coach Kellen Moore’s offensive mind, New Orleans will always score points (though the hamstring injury to RB Travis Etienne hurts). The Saints belong in the top 15. To stay here, they have to stop their stretches of playing stupid.
Stat To Know: Juwan Johnson (2 TDs) and Noah Fant (2 TDs) became only the third pair of tight end teammates in NFL history to each catch 2+ touchdown passes in the same game.“
Bleacher Report – 16 (-3)
“New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough had played like a viable MVP candidate through most of the first three weeks. Unfortunately, he had a critical fourth-quarter interception on Sunday that led to a lead-extending Las Vegas Raiders touchdown, and he had another fumble after that.
The Saints are just good enough that they can beat very good teams when Shough is playing nearly flawless football. However, they’re not good enough to consistently hang with playoff-caliber teams—and Las Vegas may just be one of those this season—when Shough makes multiple mistakes.
New Orleans is still trying to find some rhythm in its ground game and more consistency from a defense that is allowing just over 27 points per game.
If the Saints can do those things, they can make a run at their first NFC South title since 2020. Until then, they must be considered fringe contenders at best. — Knox”
CBS Sports – 18 (=)
“They blew a lead to the Raiders in the fourth quarter, which has to sting. This is a team that can’t turn it over as much as they did in that game.”
Sports Illustrated – 21 (-7)
“The Travis Etienne hamstring injury is definitely going to scramble the equation for the Saints, though this team is still my overwhelming favorite at this point to eventually take charge of this miserable division.”
