Saints vs. Giants recap: Everything we know about 27-21 loss

That’s painful. The New Orleans Saints lost their first game back in the packed Caesars Superdome in more than 600 days by playing not to lose instead of going for a win in the fourth quarter, allowing the winless New York Giants to walk into their building and outcoach and outplay Sean Payton’s team. Here’s everything we know about Week 4’s disappointing game:

Final score: Giants 27, Saints 21

Oct 3, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints fans happy to have their first home game of the season against the New York Giants during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

It was over when...

If the Saints were going to lose this game, it would have happened when they took a delay of game late in the fourth quarter at their own 43 yard line. That stopped the clock, turned the down into 2nd and 14, and ultimately helped New York get the ball back with three minutes left in the game. Plenty of time to drive downfield and kick a field goal, setting up for overtime.

The Giants won the coin toss and held onto the ball for a 9-play, 75-yard scoring drive against a gassed Saints defense. New Orleans just didn’t have any answers, which is alarming. Jason Garrett and Daniel Jones aren’t exactly the most daunting playcaller-quarterback combo on their schedule.

Players of the Game

• We have to start with running back Alvin Kamara, who set a new career high with 26 rushing attempts to gain 120 yards. Oddly, Kamara did not catch a single pass for just the second time in his pro career. It’s good to see him find ways to make an impact outside of that, further proving how strong his overall skillset is.

• Rookie linebacker Pete Werner had a big game, continuing to diagnose plays quickly and get himself in position to make a stop. He led the team with 10 tackles (6 of them solo). It’s still early, but the rookie class has been very encouraging.

• Veteran safety Malcolm Jenkins played four very good quarters of football, but he struggled to execute his assignments in overtime. He didn’t tackle well, he didn’t run well, and the whole unit suffered for it. But we can’t ignore the many positive plays he had going into the final phase. Let’s hope the Saints do a better job avoiding these situations moving forwards.

Injury outlook

• Running back Tony Jones Jr. exited with an ankle injury early in the game, and while he was officially announced as questionable to return Sean Payton told FOX sideline reporter Sara Walsh not to expect him to play. We’ll have to monitor his status closely moving forwards; the Saints only have two other running backs on the roster in Alvin Kamara and Dwayne Washington, with Ty Montgomery having converted to wide receiver full-time this summer.

• Wide receiver Marquez Callaway also left the game with an ankle injury after his big reception, but he returned after having it taped up and continued to run a lot of routes. It’s a good thing he wasn’t seriously injured. Callaway led the team with 74 receiving yards on just two catches.

• Rookie defensive end Payton Turner was shaken up in overtime and jogged off under his own power, but it’s unclear what his injury was.

What comes next?

Nov 22, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera looks on against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints are back on the road next week for a game with the Washington Football Team, who have struggled since Ryan Fitzpatrick went to injured reserve. New Orleans is hoping to get some players back from injured reserve themselves, with several starters (kicker Wil Lutz, wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith, linebacker Kwon Alexander, and defensive end Marcus Davenport) eligible to return once healthy.

After that, the Saints enter their bye week with a chance to heal up before another away game — flying to the opposite coast to visit the Seattle Seahawks. Will Michael Thomas make the trip?

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