The New Orleans Saints (1-3) fell to the Vikings (3-1), 28-25, in London and have now last three straight games after winning the opener in Atlanta. The Saints had an opportunity to send the game into overtime on a 61-yard field goal attempt by Wil Lutz. Lutz’s kick would double doink and as a result the Saints would end up falling short.
Saints Defense Couldn’t Make the Timely Stop
New Orleans started the game in a hole once again being down 16-7 in the third quarter. The Saints offense was able to weather the storm and they ended up taking the lead for the first time in the game. New Orleans would take a 22-19 lead with 9:29 left in the game.
The black and gold were in need of a quick three and out to keep their momentum on their side. Key penalties on the next offensive drive for the Vikings kept their drive alive. A illegal hands to the face penalty on Tyrann Mathieu cost the Saints the opportunity to get the ball back on offense. On the same drive, Marshon Lattimore was called for a pass interference that would set up Minnesota with a first and goal.
The Vikings were able to retake the lead on a three-yard run by Justin Jefferson. The Saints defense had another chance to keep them in the game after a 60-yard field goal by Wil Lutz to tie the game at 25 all. Big plays by Justin Jefferson and Dalvin Cook got the drive going. The Vikings were able to nail a 47-yard field goal to put Minnesota up late, 28-25. When the Saints needed a stop the most, New Orleans wasn’t able to capitalize.
Chris Olave Continues An Impressive Rookie Season
The rookie out of Ohio State has been showcasing through the first three weeks of the season what he is capable of. The absence of Michael Thomas gave Chris Olave the opportunity to serve as the WR1 today against the Vikings.
Olave continued to shine in week three as he racked up four receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown. Andy Dalton was able to find Olave at the 8:57 mark in the second quarter for a four-yard touchdown. The rookie wide receiver would lead the team in targets (7). He was Dalton’s favorite target throughout the duration of the game.
The Absence of Alvin Kamara Brought the Return of Latavius Murray
Alvin Kamara was ruled out of today’s game against the Vikings an hour before kickoff in London. It would be the second of four games that Kamara has missed in the season. The former Tennessee product is still dealing with a nagging rib injury that he suffered against the Falcons in week one.
With the absence of Kamara, the Saints would rely on Mark Ingram and Latavius Murray being the lead backs in the Saints offense. Murray showed his veteran presence in the backfield by racking up 11 carries on 57 yards and a touchdown. The veteran running back was vaulted from the practice squad and would be the leading rusher for the Saints today.
Murray was able to muscle his way for a one-yard score to cut into the Vikings lead, 16-14. The running attack was for the Saints was limited. The Vikings front seven was able to hold New Orleans to only 111 rushing yards on the day. Ingram wasn’t much of a factor as he had 10 carries for only 30 yards.