The New Orleans Saints[2-0] defeat the Los Angeles Chargers[1-1] 22-17 in week 2 of the preseason. Next week, will host the Houston Texans while the Los Angeles Chargers travel to play the San Francisco 49ers.
1st Quarter: A boring first quarter of football with punts on every drive from each team.
2nd Quarter: On the first drive of the second quarter, Saints Defensive End Payton Turner 98 gets a strip sack on Chargers Quarterback Easton Stick, and Defensive Tackle Bryan Bresee recovers the fumble at the Chargers 33-yard line. Saints Running Back Kendre Miller runs in a 7-yard touchdown run. Chargers Kicker Dustin Hopkins makes a 25-yard field goal. Easton Stick throws an interception to Cornerback Isaac Yiadom and he returns it to the Chargers 15-yard line. Saints Kicker Blake Grupe makes a 36-yard field goal. Easton Stick runs in for a 6-yard touchdown to tie the game. Blake Grupe kicks a 37-yard field goal to end the half with the Saints up 13 to 10.
3rd Quarter: On the opening drive of the second half, Wil Lutz kicks a 33-yard field goal for the Saints. A pretty quiet quarter involving more punts from both teams.
4th Quarter: Wil Lutz kicks a 51-yard field goal to make it a two-possession lead for the Saints. Wil Lutz kicks a 34-yard field goal for the Saints. Easton Stick runs a QB Sneak for a 1-yard touchdown. On 4th and 23, Stick throws up a prayer of a throw and it is completed for a 39-yard gain. Easton Stick gets hit and throws an interception to Saints Defensive Back Lonnie Johnson to end the game. The Saints win 22-17.
Key Saints of the Game:
Jameis Winston-He seems to be losing a step each week. Completed just under 62% of his passes this week. Unable to move the ball at all and he has no connection with anyone on the roster. He did not turn the ball over but he also is not doing anything productive either.
Jake Haener-A much better game from him this week. Last week he looked awful but today he has learned from those earlier mistakes.
Kendre Miller-Like most Running Backs in this offense, there is not much room to work with for guys like Miller or Kamara. Only 2.3 yards per carry.
Bryan Edwards-Twice he had an offensive pass interference called on a touchdown catch by another player on Offense and the drive stalled because of it. Edwards is not doing anything to say he should be on the roster in week 1.
Payton Turner-Turner has new life so far. A completely different player from the past couple of seasons since he was drafted. I understand Carl Granderson is starting opposite of Cameron Jordan, but I do want to see Turner in a rotation with Granderson.
Niko Lalos-Baller. During the Chargers final Offensive drive he has a pass breakup and back-to-back sacks on three consecutive plays. He also had a sack early on in the game. If he continues to play like that he is gonna force his way onto the 53-man roster.
Blake Grupe-This guy has been pretty solid at kicker. Unless Lutz struggles, Wil Lutz will be the kicker in week 1 but Grupe has made all his kicks with ease.
Punting Battle-Lou Hedley saw more punts today with 5 to Blake Gillikin’s 2. Gillikin averaged 45 yards per punt while Hedley averaged 44.2. Hedley saw 2 punts go inside the 20-yard line while Gillikin had 1 punt go inside the 20.
Offensive Penalties-Penalties continue to be an issue. This is something Dennis Allen has to get under control. It is preventing major scoring plays.
-Jordan Burden