The New Orleans Saints pulled off the comeback victory this time, snagging their first win of the season against the Baltimore Ravens. However, the come-from-behind victory isn't the only story from the teams' second straight road game.
Brandon Staley's unit was on fire through all 60 minutes, forcing several three-and-outs, an interception, three sacks, and six quarterback hits. Keeping the game from being a blowout after another slow start from the offense, the Saints' defense held a Super Bowl-level offense to just 17 points. They really forced Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry to fight for every yard possible.
Jackson in general was quieter than he was last week, with only 235 passing yards instead of 324. But he was still applying pressure, nearly beating the Saints with his arm on a couple of plays. Thankfully the Saints' defensive persistence paid off and produced the biggest moment yet of the 2026 season for this team.
The Saints' defense helped seal the team's first W of 2026
On the Ravens' final drive of the game, Lamar Jackson was in desperation mode. Arguably where he's most dangerous, the Saints braved through and caused him to throw a stinky interception to safety Julian Blackmon. In the game's final 20 or so seconds, the Saints' defense was able to slam the door shut and secure the team's first win of the season.
On Sunday in Baltimore, the defense didn't just make normal stops; they made quick ones. They were actually so dominant that the Saints won the time-of-possession game for once, 32:45 to 27:15 minutes. That kind of execution sets a real tone, and it is really what the Saints' defense legit looks like; then the sky could really be the limit with this unit.
Not letting the injured Ravens offensive line or Zay Flowers' absence distract them, the Saints' defense didn't let up. The second week in a row that the defense has started and ended the game insanely strong, they might have their identity for the season. With the offense still finding itself, at least when it comes to the first half of games, the defense could really be the backbone of this New Orleans team.
Now 1-1 on the season, the Saints' defense has even more stakes and a reputation to build. If they can keep this up against Ashton Jeanty and the Las Vegas Raiders next weekend, the idea that they'd be the team's backbone would only make more sense.
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