After a five-game losing streak, the New Orleans Saints finally got a much-needed win on Sunday afternoon. While the victory came against a 3-10 New York Jets team, the Saints still put on an impressive showing, easily beating the Jets by a three-touchdown margin.

Taysom Hill made his second consecutive start for New Orleans and took much better care of the football than he did in his last start against Dallas on Thursday Night Football. Hill completed an efficient 15 out of 21 pass attempts for 175 yards and no interceptions. Hill also added 73 yards and two touchdowns rushing the ball.

The biggest storyline from this game, however, was the return of Alvin Kamara, who has not suited up for the Saints since Nov. 7, in a home game against Atlanta where he suffered a knee injury. Kamara is one of the most dynamic running backs in the league, and his offensive skills combined with Jameis Winston’s quarterback play have been sorely missed by the Saints over the last five weeks. Kamara’s impact on Sunday’s game was massive; he racked up 120 rushing yards on 27 attempts and also boasted four receptions for 25 receiving yards. 

The game started with a Jets three-and-out, which would become a familiar theme, before the Saints drove down the field for a 23-yard Brett Maher field goal. The rest of the first quarter remained dull, as neither offense could get moving.

It took until the second quarter for the Jets to take off but only managed a field goal. When the Saints took over on the next possession, Kamara showed off his power and speed over a 54-yard drive. Kamara ended the drive with a shifty 16-yard touchdown run.

Before the half ended, the Jets put together their own 47-yard drive, which ended with a 46-yard field goal as the half ended.

Both teams punted to begin the second half, before Hill led the Saints on an 80-yard, nine-minute drive that resulted in a field goal. The Saints would add another field goal right at the beginning of the fourth quarter as well.

After more inept offensive play from the Jets, New Orleans began a 51-yard drive that resulted in a 2-yard Hill touchdown scamper. The Jets would get a consolation field goal late in the fourth, but Hill would ensure that the Jets would not get the final score of the game. Hill went untouched on a 44-yard touchdown run. The game ended 30-9 in an emphatic Saints victory.

The Saints defense played exceptionally well stopping an already bad Jets offense. Five of the Jets’ 12 total drives ended in a three-and-out, with a sixth drive being a turnover on downs after four plays. Jets quarterback Zach Wilson completed less than half of his passes, going 19 for 42 for 202 yards. Astonishingly, Wilson was also the Jets’ best rusher of the day, gaining 33 yards on four carries.

The Saints offense will continue to lean on Alvin Kamara’s brilliance, although Hill was efficient and calm in this game. Hill’s rushing threat still remains a potent weapon for New Orleans.

Next week, the Saints will face a tough test when they travel to Tampa Bay to play Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last week, the Bucs needed overtime to overcome the Buffalo Bills 33-27. The Saints beat Tampa Bay earlier this season 36-27.