A majority of starters on the offensive and defensive side for the New Orleans Saints saw the field in the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers. New Orleans was able to cap off the preseason slate with a 27-10 over Los Angeles. The Saints will now turn their attention to the regular season when they face off against the Atlanta Falcons.
First Half Recap of the Saints Offense
Jameis Winston and the majority of the starters on the offense got the ball first in the preseason finale vs. the Chargers. New Orleans couldn’t have asked for a better start on the offensive side of the ball. Winston and the offense were able to score a touchdown on a nine play, 75-yard drive.
The former Florida State product looked poised in the pocket making throws to Chris Olave and Jarvis Landry as the Saints moved down the field. The offensive line was a strength on the black and gold’s opening drive of the game opening holes for Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram.
Dalton Takes Over After Winston Shines on His First Drive in the Preseason
Ingram was able to punch it in at the goal line to put New Orleans up early, 7-0. Winston would only see the field on that drive before handing out the quarterback duties to Andy Dalton. Dalton would see the field on the Saints next two offensive possessions.
First TD for in the 5️⃣ for @markingramII #Saints | 📺: FOX-8 pic.twitter.com/mZOy2WXcCG
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 27, 2022
The momentum continued for the black and gold on their second offensive drive. The veteran quarterback led New Orleans to a nine play, 62-yard drive that led to another Ingram score at the goal line to put the Saints up, 14-0. The Saints offense was able to continue their momentum from their first offense possession and the offensive line was able to hold their surge.
Make that TWO for @markingramII ⚜️
📺 FOX-8 pic.twitter.com/ALbcOmhG0t
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 27, 2022
Dalton’s second offensive possession didn’t end in New Orleans finding the endzone as they had to punt it away to Los Angeles. Dennis Allen did elect to challenge a Tre’Quan Smith drop that got tipped up to Marquez Callaway. It was ruled on the field to be an incomplete pass, but it was reversed to be a Saints first down. The black and gold were unable to convert from that play as they punted it away.
New Orleans ended the first half with Ian Book taking over at quarterback. The second-year quarterback led the Saints down the field that led to a 47-yard field goal by Will Lutz to bring the score to, 17-10.
Second Half Recap of the Saints Offense
The Saints offense started the second half with a short field, due to a Chargers turnover. Ian Book made some quality throws on the drive that led to a nine-yard touchdown to Kirk Merritt to put the Saints up 24-10.
Ian Book connects with Kirk Merritt for the 9-yard touchdown!!!#Saints | 📺: FOX-8 pic.twitter.com/KMsMcLKPu8
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 27, 2022
The next two offensive possessions for New Orleans would end quickly as they were unable to find their rhythm.
Abram Smith and Ian Book were able to use their legs on the next drive as New Orleans drove down into Los Angeles’ territory. Smith showed bursts on a couple of runs throughout the drive. Book showed his athleticism on a 30-yard run to put the Saints in the red zone. The drive ended in a 27-yard field goal by Will Lutz to put New Orleans up 27-10.
Offensive Player of the Game: Mark Ingram, RB–nine carries, 34 yards and two touchdowns
First Half Recap of the Saints Defense
A majority of the starters on the defensive side saw action in the first two possessions a majority of the starters on the defensive side saw the field in the first two possessions of the first half. Saints fans were able to see the new additions of Tyrann Mathieu and Marcus Maye on the field in game action. New Orleans forced Chase Daniel and the Chargers offense to a three-and-out thanks to a Demario Davis sack.
Ahh… we missed this sack celebration. 🧘♂️#Saints | @demario__davis pic.twitter.com/t2mmKu9ZLa
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 27, 2022
The Saints defense got gashed on the ground by the dynamic duo of Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree on the next possession. The Chargers were able to strike on a 10 play, 75-yard drive to cut into New Orleans’ lead. Larry Rountree found the endzone with a one-yard score to cut the lead to 14-7.
Los Angeles was able to drive down the field once again on their next offensive possession. The Saints defense looked shaky as the Chargers were able to find success in the running game. Dustin Hopkins was able to nail a 51-yard field goal to cut more into the Saints lead, 14-10.
Second Half Recap of the Saints Defense
The Saints defense forced an early turnover on the Chargers first offensive possession in the second half. Justin Evans forced the fumble and Daniel Sorensen was able to return it for 17 yards to set up the black and gold offense.
FUMBLE!
Justin Evans forces it, and Daniel Sorensen recovers it!#Saints | 📺: Fox-8 pic.twitter.com/HMeFcZo2Qw
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 27, 2022
Los Angeles was able to drive it down the field on their next drive. They were unable to tack on any points to the scoreboard. Dustin Hopkins missed a 51-yard field goal wide left as New Orleans kept the Chargers off the board.
The momentum continued on the defensive side as they forced Easton Stick and Los Angeles to a punt. New Orleans continued to flex their muscle on defense as the Chargers were unable to move the ball effectively.
Defensive Player of the Game: Eric Wilson, LB–six total tackles, four solo and one tackle for loss
What’s Next For the Saints?
The New Orleans Saints will be off for the next two weeks before the regular season will kickoff. New Orleans will be back in action on September 11th. They face off against the Atlanta Falcons to begin the 2022 regular season.