NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – The Saints got off to a strong start after pulling away from the opener, forcing the Los Angeles Chargers to struggle early. Justin Herbert completed just one of his first five passes as the Saints defense stifled their first two drives. A miscue between Chargers long snapper and punter JK Scott on the second play led to a safety, giving the Saints an early 2-0 lead.

By the second quarter, the score of the game looked more like something out of the World Series – the Chargers took a narrow lead with a 46-yard field goal to make it 3-2. The Saints defense kept up the pressure, nearly intercepting Herbert on a close call by Elijah Molden. Despite a couple of costly penalties, the Chargers managed a touchdown but missed the extra point, extending their lead to 9-2.

Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler responded by leading the offense down the field, setting up a field goal to cut the deficit to 9-5 at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Saints defense continued to pressure Herbert, with Scott Matlock delivering a sack and Daiyan Henley forcing an incompletion. Although the Chargers extended their lead with a 60-yard touchdown, the Saints answered with one of the most exciting plays of the day when Bud Dupree helped turn a short run by Alvin Kamara into a first down. The Saints eventually added a field goal, cutting the score to 16-8.

With the defense stout and the offense showing flashes, the Saints kept themselves within striking distance, setting up a potentially decisive fourth quarter. However, the Chargers quickly kicked a field goal, making it a two-score game. The Saints drove back down the field, but only made it to the field goal, where kicker Blake Grupe missed the attempt, ending the day 2-for-3.

Spencer Rattler finished with just over 150 yards passing and limited gains on the ground before being benched in the fourth quarter. Alvin Kamara led the Saints’ rushing effort with 65 yards.

The Chargers added another score before the final whistle, dashing any hopes the team had of a comeback.

The Saints play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

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