The New Orleans Saints sought their third consecutive win when they hosted the New York Jets in Week 16, and they got it with a 29-6 win. Here’s a quick recap of Sunday’s action in the Caesars Superdome.
First Quarter
Taysom Hill fumbled on the game’s second play as New Orleans began with the ball, giving it to the Jets with a short field.
New York took advantage, with Brady Cook finding Isaiah Williams for 12 yards during a short drive ending in a 29-yard field goal from Nick Folk.
Tyler Shough and the Saints offense
returned, this time finding its footing with a pair of catches for both Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson.
But a third down throw to Mason Tipton wasn’t enough for a first down to extend the drive, and Charlie Smyth kicked through from 35 yards to tie the game at 3-3.
Cook connected with Breece Hall for 10 yards to begin the ensuing drive, though that would be the only first down gained as the Jets were made to punt.
Shough found Olave for 20 yards and Hill for 17 yards as the Saints drove into Jets territory.
Second Quarter
Shough was sacked on third down to begin the second quarter, and Smyth’s 49-yard field goal gave the Saints the lead.
But New York found a response, as a 25-yard catch from Isaiah Davis found the bulk of the yards on a 47-yard drive ending in a field goal that tied the game at 6-6.
A 14-yard throw to Olave got things going on the ensuing possession, but a failed 4th down conversion attempt from Hill meant a turnover on downs.
Nonetheless, the Jets went three-and-out and punted.
Shough proceeded to throw for double-digit yardage on passes to Kevin Austin Jr, Johnson, and Mason Tipton as part of a 15-play, 73-yard drive ending in a 36-yard field goal from Smyth.
The Jets proceeded to punt again, and the black and gold were able to get past midfield in under a minute. But Smyth was no good from 61 yards.
Third Quarter
The teams exchanged three-and-outs to begin the half, and the Jets then punted again after a short drive limited by penalties.
Shough returned and put together a marathon 93-yard drive, including an 18-yard throw to Olave and a 12-yard connection with Audric Estime, before eventually throwing a 23-yard touchdown pass to Olave to establish a 16-6 lead for the hosts.
Fourth Quarter
Cook was able to move the Jets into Saints territory before Nathan Shepherd sacked him and forced the ball out. Chase Young fell on it to recover possession for New Orleans.
Smyth was soon out to kick again after a short drive, and he converted from 50 yards to extend the lead to 19-6.
Cook was shortly intercepted by Jonas Sanker as he returned to the field, and the Saints capitalized on the turnover. A 23-yard drive was enough to enter field goal range, and Smyth’s 39-yard kick was good.
Despite converting a 4th-and-long with a 26-yard throw to Adonai Mitchell, Cook was sacked by Young on another 4th down three plays later.
Hill then found Olave for a 38-yard touchdown, extending the Saints’ lead once again. The Jets ran out of time as they got the ball back, meaning a 29-6 victory for the black and gold.
The Saints now return to the road as they visit the Tennessee Titans in Week 17.
