Here we go, New Orleans!
After a rocky first month, the New Orleans Saints finally broke into the win column on Sunday, defeating the New York Giants 26–14 at Caesars Superdome.
It was a day of firsts — head coach Kellen Moore and rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler each earned their inaugural victories in black and gold, as both teams moved to 1-4 on the season.
The Giants struck early, with Jaxson Dart engineering two scoring drives before halftime, capped off by tight end Theo Johnson, who nabbed two touchdowns that put the Giants up a quick 14–3 lead. But that momentum evaporated just as quickly as it began.
The Saints seized control through the turnover battle that ultimately defined the game. New York gave it away five times — including two fourth-quarter interceptions by corner Kool-Aid McKinstry — turning a promising start for the Giants into an even worse collapse that lasted until Jordan Howden scooped up a fumble late in the fourth quarter, raced 86 yards the other way to seal the game.
Besides the Saints’ formidable defense, it was Rattler who supplied the spark the Saints had been missing. After a slow first quarter, Rattler uncorked an 87-yard pass to Rashid Shaheed down the right sideline, the type of play the Saints have been looking for.
“Those plays create energy for the whole team, the whole crowd and we definitely want to have more of those,” Rattler said after the win.
New Orleans’ receiving duo was another highlight of the day. Shaheed led with four receptions for 114 yards and the long touchdown, while Chris Olave piled up seven catches for 59 yards as the Saints leaned on quick rhythm throws and field position.
After the final whistle, Moore’s locker room sounded like a team finally exhaling.
“We got one, now we carry the momentum.” Moore said.
After the final whistle, the win felt like more than just a mark in the standings — it was a reset. For a Saints team that’s battled through close losses, offensive inconsistency and a new coaching era under Moore, Sunday’s victory offered a glimpse of what this group can become when it plays complementary football. The defense forced takeaways, Rattler found his rhythm and the Dome came alive again. If New Orleans can build on this identity, this first win could be the spark that turns a frustrating start into a season worth believing in.
Coming up next, New Orleans looks to build on the victory back home on Sunday against a well-rested New England Patriots, who just got their biggest win of the season against the Buffalo Bills.