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Saints grow up in statement road win at Ravens
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Saints grow up in statement road win at Ravens

By Eric Smithling  |  Last updated Sep 20, 2026 6:12 PM ET
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The New Orleans Saints took a massive step in their development under head coach Kellen Moore on Sunday.

One week after coming up short following a furious second-half rally at the Detroit Lions (1-1), the Saints were forced to play catch-up again in Week 2 at the Baltimore Ravens. Only this time, New Orleans emerged with a 24-17 win.

For an organization looking to establish a winning culture after years of failing to do so in the seasons since Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees's retirement, Moore may finally have the Saints on the right track.

Saints record signature win of Kellen Moore era in comeback over Ravens

Like last week, New Orleans used an impressive second-half to make what could have easily become a laugher into one of the Sunday early-window's more intriguing games.

A week ago, the Saints (1-1) had two chances to win at Detroit after trailing by as many as 21, first on kicker Daniel Carlson's 62-yard field goal attempt at the end of regulation, then on a two-point conversion after pulling within one in overtime. 

Sunday's game had shades of the Week 1 loss at the start as the Ravens built a 14-6 halftime lead. New Orleans punted on its first two possessions and only managed three field goals through three quarters before the offense found its footing. 

But rather than come up short and only leave Baltimore with a moral victory, the Saints instead showed impressive growth by sealing the deal to even their record at 1-1.

And there's reason to believe New Orleans can use Sunday's win as a springboard to bigger things.

Edge-rusher Chase Young had two sacks on Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, the first forcing Baltimore into a third-and-long early in the second quarter.

He also supplied the pressure on a key 3rd-and-10 in Saints territory midway through the third quarter to force a long field goal.

Those were the only points the Saints surrendered during an excellent defensive second half. Per Sumer Sports data, Jackson was only 8-of-15 for 44 yards after halftime.

Holding the Ravens, who hung 41 points on the Colts in Week 1, to 17 was a major statement for the Saints defense under second-year defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. The unit also secured Sunday's win with safety Julian Blackmon's game-sealing interception.

While slow offensive starts remain a concern, the Saints are also taking positive strides on that side of the ball.

Second-year quarterback Tyler Shough, who finished Sunday 27-of-34 for 252 yards and a touchdown, continues to look like the real deal. 

After throwing for 252 yards and two touchdowns in the second half and overtime against Detroit, he was excellent in clutch situations on Sunday. Overall, Sumer Sports credited Shough with going 9-of-10 for 116 yards on late (i.e., third and fourth) downs.

Wide receiver Devaughn Vele had a couple of those receptions, the first when he showed incredible extension in tight space for a 3rd-and-6 conversion late in the first quarter.

Vele also moved the chains on a 3rd-and-13 a quarter later with a 29-yard reception after Shough avoided a sack and escaped the pocket.

Shough was nearly flawless over the final 15 minutes, going 12-of-14 for 119 yards and a touchdown to receiver Chris Olave, who finished with eight receptions for 86 yards. 

Afterward, Young emphasized the importance of the confidence-building win and what it means going forward.

"We can hang with anybody," Young said in his postgame news conference.  "Sometimes you have to learn how to win, learn how to finish."

In that regard, the Saints cleared a massive hurdle. And with a three-game home stand forthcoming against the Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings, the breakthrough came at possibly the perfect moment.

As Young put it, "We're right on time."

Eric Smithling
X Muck Rack

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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