Saints Game Balls From Big Shutout of Patriots
The New Orleans Saints improved their record to 3-2 with a 34-0 thrashing of the New England Patriots on the road Sunday. It was their largest margin of victory since a 38-3 rout of Green Bay to open 2021, biggest shutout win since a 41-0 defeat on Tampa Bay in Week 15 of 2012, and their biggest road shutout since a 38-0 win at Atlanta in Week 8 of 1987.
Helped by a defensive touchdown from S Tyrann Mathieu, the Saints scored over 30 points for the first time in 14 games. New Orleans was as crisp on offense as they've been this season, despite going conservative to bleed the clock over the last quarter and a half.
The Saints possessed the ball for nearly 30 minutes and showed continued improvement along the offensive line. They had a season-high 136 rushing yards, with QB Derek Carr completing 18 of 26 throws for 183 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Special teams also stood out, with Blake Grupe nailing two field goals of over 50 yards in windy conditions and Lou Hedley maintaining field position advantage
Defense is what ruled the day for New Orleans. They held the Patriots to just 156 total yards and 1 of 16 on third and fourth downs while causing three turnovers. Saints defenders made plays at every level. Linebackers Demario Davis and Pete Werner laid out thunderous hits all over the field and helped hold the Patriots to less than 2.5 per rush. New England quarterbacks were held to less than 50% completion percentage against New Orleans coverage while getting intercepted twice and sacked three times.
The Saints physically dominated in every aspect of the game. Here were their biggest standouts in a resounding victory.
Alvin Kamara, RB
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs past New England Patriots J.C. Jackson (29). Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
With a second quarter scoring run of two yards, Kamara became the Saints all-time touchdown leader with 73 total score in 90 games. Along with that score, Kamara led all rushers with 80 tough yards on the ground and had 97 yards from scrimmage on 25 touches.
Kamara was a huge part of the game plan for the second straight week since returning from suspension. He has yet to break any big gains, but looked fast and decisive against an overmatched Patriot defense. Seven of his touches resulted in a first down or score.
Kamara's importance to the offense was highlighted on a play where he didn't even touch the ball. Early in the fourth quarter, Carr completed a six-yard touchdown on a shovel pass to TE Foster Moreau. On the play, Kamara slipped to the right side after the snap. Virtually the entire Patriots defense followed him, allowing Moreau to slip inside for the score.
The Saints still have plenty of improvements to make offensively. However, playmakers like WR Chris Olave, WR Michael Thomas, and Kamara give this unit plenty of upside.
Carl Granderson, DE
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) is sacked by New Orleans Saints defensive ends Tanoh Kpassagnon (92) and Cameron Jordan (94). Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY
Out of a suffocating defensive performance, the Saints were most dominant along the defensive line. They spearheaded the shutdown of New England's running game and collectively pressured QB Mac Jones all afternoon.
The defensive tackles got excellent interior push throughout the game. Malcolm Roach batted down one pass as both he and rookie Bryan Bresee got consistent penetration. Ends Cam Jordan and Tanoh Kpassagnon set up camp in the Patriots backfield. The two combined for one sack and several pressures and run stops, with Jordan also recovering a fumble.
The biggest star of this game was DE Carl Granderson, who was credited with one sack, three QB hits, four pressures, and three tackles for loss. After two quiet weeks, Granderson put on an impressive performance and shredded New England blocking.
Granderson turned the momentum of the game midway the first quarter. His pressure and hit of Jones caused an errant throw which was easily intercepted by Mathieu and returned for the first score of the game. Granderson and his defensive teammates would continue that type of dominance through the rest of a resounding victory on the road.
