“Finish Strong” has been a term adopted by Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints since the start of the ’09 playoffs. In today’s game, that term was largely absent. For majority of the game, the Saints were playing head over heels better than what they had in the first two games. They still didn’t look like the Saints from last season, but it was certainly an improvement. Unfortunately for the Saints today, though, there are 4 quarters in the game, not just 3. The Saints lost a 24-6 lead midway through the 3rd quarter and fell flat on their faces when it mattered the most. Kansas City scored 21 unanswered points, including the game clinching field goal to beat New Orleans 27-24.
The offense was less than stellar and for the first time this season, they were the unit who under performed. Things started well for the Saints, going on an 83 yards drive to start the game that ended with a 9 yard TD reception from Lance Moore. Two Garrett Hartley field goals were the only other scores for New Orleans in the first half. They seemed to be well on their to getting their first victory, after a 14 point 3rd quarter provided by a 1 yard TD reception from Jimmy Graham and a 6 yard TD reception from Jed Collins, which was a result of great field position off of a Jabari Greer interception. In the beginning of the 4th quarter, with 13:34 to go, Darren Sproles gained 2 yards on his only carry of the 2nd half. That turned out to be the Saints’ final offensive play of the game that went for positive yardage. After that play, the Saints had -17 yards to finish out the 4th quarter and over time.
On the defensive side of the ball, things seemed to be going much better for most of the game. They still didn’t get a lot of pressure, but they were getting a bit more. On the day, the Saints forced 3 turnovers, making 1 interception and recovering 2 fumbles. They also had 3 sacks. As did the offense, the defense seemed to ease up late in the 3rd quarter. Directly after the Saints took a 24-6 lead, Jamaal Charles ripped off a 91 yard TD run to kick-start their comeback. A safety and 3 field goals sent the game to OT, where the defense allowed Ryan Succop to boot his 6th field goal of the day, a franchise record, to clinch the 27-24 victory. With the lack of offense in the second half, it was apparent that the Saints defense became very fatigued early in the 4th quarter, which led to big plays in big moments. There were a couple big defensive miscues in the 4th quarter that lead to the eventual loss. They gave up a 3rd and 10 conversion on Kansas City’s game tying drive, in which Matt Cassel was spinning away from a sack and flushed from the pocket, only to find Jon Baldwin for 11 yards to move the chains. The Chiefs converted on two huge 4th down plays to extend their game tying and game winning drives. Finally, New Orleans’ defense was flagged for delay of game giving Kansas City a 3rd and short, after being confused about their on-field personnel coming out of a time out. They tried calling back to back time outs, which by NFL rule is defensive delay of game.
It was another day full of frustration for the Saints and play has been nothing, but sloppy through this 0-3 start. Things don’t get one bit easier while moving on, as the Saints will travel to Green Bay next week to take on the Packers who are 1-1 and play tomorrow night.
