By : Colton Towns
(Photo/ The Mojo Network)
The New Orleans Saints finally broke through on Sunday, using a pair of explosive plays on both offense and defense to secure their first win of the season with a 26-14 victory over the New York Giants inside the Caesars Superdome.
The win marked the first under new head coach Kellen Moore and the first for rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler as a starter. Both teams now sit at 1-4 after the result, but it was New Orleans that showed signs of life on both sides of the ball.
The offense delivered early fireworks when Rattler connected with Rashid Shaheed for an 87-yard touchdown in the second quarter. It was the longest play of either player’s career and the Saints’ longest from scrimmage since Drew Brees hit Brandin Cooks for an 87-yard score against Carolina in 2016.
The defense then sealed the game in the fourth quarter when Bryan Bresee forced a fumble by Cam Skattebo, and safety Jordan Howden scooped it up and raced 86 yards for a touchdown. It was the Giants’ third lost fumble of the game and tied for the fifth-longest play in Saints history, as well as the second-longest fumble return in franchise history. Rookie cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry also came up big with two interceptions, the first of his career, helping New Orleans dominate the turnover battle.
Rattler put together his most efficient performance as a Saint, completing 20 of 30 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown. Chris Olave led the receiving corps with seven catches for 59 yards, while Alvin Kamara added 27 yards on the ground and 28 through the air. Rookie running back Kendre Miller continued to impress with 41 rushing yards on 10 carries, and both Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau made their 2025 season debuts, with Hill completing a pass to Juwan Johnson.
Kicker Blake Grupe knocked down four field goals and even made a tackle on kickoff coverage, though he missed two attempts. The Saints did suffer a setback when safety Justin Reid exited in the first quarter with a concussion.
New Orleans will look to build its first winning streak of the season when it hosts the New England Patriots on Sunday, October 12.