Tyler Shough and the New Orleans offense capped off a 13-play, 79-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Juwan Johnson, giving the Saints an early lead over the Las Vegas Raiders. It marked the team's first first-half touchdown of the season, an encouraging sign for an offense that has struggled to start fast through the first few weeks.
This time they scored on their drive. The possession was sparked by a 36-yard scramble from Shough, who used his legs to pick up a chunk of yardage and keep the possession alive. From there, key receptions by Devaughn Vele and Chris Olave helped move the Saints down the field and set up Johnson's touchdown.
Tyler Shough connects with Juwan Johnson for a Saints TD 🙌@LVvsNO on CBS/Paramount+ Stream
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On third-and-goal, after a stuffed rushing attempt, Kellen Moore dialed up a great play design. Johnson was motioned across the formation into a tight alignment, essentially creating a 2-on-2 matchup for Travis Etienne to work the flat while leaving Johnson isolated against a defensive back. The motion forced the Raiders' defense to adjust its alignment, and Johnson took advantage of the one-on-one matchup. Shough quickly identified the look and delivered the ball to Johnson for the touchdown.
It was an impressive finish to a long, methodical drive, and more importantly, it showed some of the creativity Moore can bring to the Saints' red-zone offense. After struggling to find the end zone early in games, New Orleans finally put together a complete opening stretch, with Shough's mobility, timely throws and Moore's play design all playing a role in the touchdown drive.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: WATCH: Juwan Johnson catches early touchdown pass from Tyler Shough
