The New Orleans Saints (0-3) went down early to the Seattle Seahawks (2-1) on Sunday and never came back, losing 44-13.
New Orleans looked unprepared in all facets of the game, especially on special teams. A blocked punt, allowing a punt return touchdown, and a missed field goal was just part of the reason a blowout incurred in Seattle.
Here’s what else happened.
Scoring summary
From the first possession when the Saints turned the ball over on downs, Seattle marched down the field in six plays and ended the drive with a 12-yard touchdown connection between quarterback Sam Darnold and wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The very next series, rookie Tory Horton returned a punt 95 yards – the longest punt return in Seahawks history – to give his team a 14-0 lead.
At the end of the first quarter, Seattle’s D’Anthony Bell blocked a punt deep in New Orleans territory. It turned into a three-yard run by Seattle running back Kenneth Walker to make for a 21-0 lead. It was also the first blocked punt the Saints have given up since 2011.
Even with Saints kicker Blake Grupe knocking in a pair of chip-shot field goals in the second quarter, Seattle kept pouring it on. 17 more points before halftime and the intermission score was 38-6.
The second half was marginally better for New Orleans, but penalties helped undermine any effort at a comeback, as Seattle got two field goals off the foot of Jason Myers. Tight end Jack Stoll did catch his first career touchdown for the Saints to make for a 44-13 final score.
What the coach said
First-year head coach Kellen Moore is still looking for his first win in New Orleans. After opening the season with two one-score losses, Sunday was a different story with Seattle steamrolling his team the entire contest.
“We didn’t do enough to give ourselves a chance to compete in these games. I appreciate our guys giving a great effort in the second half,” Moore said, taking credit for the rough start to the year. “This begins with me. We have to do a better job of putting ourselves in better [situations].
“We have to spend more time this week getting better. We have to evaluate every, single thing throughout the game. Need to get some momentum going our way.”
Numbers never lie
For the Saints, it was the most points allowed in a half since they gave up 38 in the second half of a 62-7 loss to Atlanta on Sept. 16, 1973.
Second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler was 28 of 29 passing for 218 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He is now 0-9 in starts.
Receiver Chris Olave had 10 catches for 57 yards and running back Alvin Kamara had 18 carries for 42 yards. Backup rookie Tyler Shough did get some snaps late in the fourth quarter but failed to complete a pass.
Pete Werner had a team-high 13 tackles, but the entire New Orleans D failed to sack the quarterback. The Saints also suffered from 11 penalties.
For Seattle, it was the team’s best offensive showing so far this season. Darnold led the way with 218 yards on 14 of 18 passing with two touchdowns and no turnovers. Walker had a pair of rushing scores, while Smith-Njigba ended the day with 96 receiving yards on five catches.
On special teams, Tory Horton returned three kicks for a total of 114 yards, including a touchdown. Dareke Young returned two punts for 92 yards.
Josh Jobe led the Seattle D with 11 total tackles while Ty Okada added nine tackle and a half sack. Derion Kendrick had an interception.
Next up
New Orleans: The Saints will travel to play the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Sept. 28. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.
Seattle: The Seahawks will travel to play the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday, Sept. 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT.
