The New Orleans Saints beat the Baltimore Ravens 24-17 on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium, erasing an 8-point deficit with two fourth-quarter touchdowns. The Saints also played turnover-free football, while Baltimore threw the game's only interception.
Baltimore was the more efficient offense, gaining more yards on fewer snaps. New Orleans won anyway by sustaining drives, converting 8 of 15 third downs and both of its fourth-down tries. That gave the Saints the larger share of the clock.
How It Happened
Baltimore struck first. Derrick Henry scored on a 1-yard run with 2:52 left in the first quarter, and Tyler Loop's kick made it 7-0.
Daniel Carlson got New Orleans on the board with a 23-yard field goal at 3:46 of the second quarter. The Ravens answered with 24 seconds left in the half, when Lamar Jackson hit Rashod Bateman for a 22-yard touchdown. The Saints still had time for Carlson to drill a 47-yarder as the half expired, cutting the deficit to 14-6.
Carlson opened the third quarter with a 51-yard field goal at 11:00, pulling New Orleans within 14-9. Loop matched him with a 49-yarder at 3:23, restoring Baltimore's 8-point cushion at 17-9.
The fourth quarter belonged to New Orleans. Tyler Shough found Chris Olave for a 21-yard touchdown at 9:42, and Travis Etienne Jr. ran in the two-point conversion to tie it 17-17. Shough then finished the winning drive himself, scoring on a 1-yard run with 1:28 left. Carlson's kick made it 24-17, and Baltimore did not score again.
Key Performers
Tyler Shough, NO: 21-yard TD pass to Chris Olave, 1-yard TD rush (go-ahead score, Q4 1:28)
Daniel Carlson, NO: 3 field goals (23, 47, 51 YDS), 1 extra point
Chris Olave, NO: 21-yard TD reception
Lamar Jackson, BAL: 22-yard TD pass to Rashod Bateman
Shough was the difference in the fourth quarter, accounting for both New Orleans touchdowns. Carlson kept the Saints within reach while their offense stalled short of the end zone, supplying 10 of their points.
Saints passing: 27-34, 233 YDS, 0 INT
Saints rushing: 27 ATT, 65 YDS, 2.4 per carry
Ravens passing: 21-31, 204 YDS, 1 INT
Ravens rushing: 22 ATT, 108 YDS, 4.9 per carry
Third down: NO 8-15, BAL 4-9
Time of possession: NO 32:45, BAL 27:15
The Saints could not run the ball, averaging well under 3 yards a carry. They won through the air, completing the large majority of their throws, and by converting on third down at a better rate than Baltimore did.
What It Means
Both teams sit at 1-1. For Baltimore, the loss underlines an early split: the Ravens are 1-0 on the road and 0-1 at home. This was the game where home field was supposed to help, and Baltimore outgained its visitor while still losing.
The Ravens averaged 5.6 yards per play to the Saints' 4.7. That is the more productive offense on a per-snap basis. But Baltimore ran 8 fewer plays and converted under half its third downs, and it was the only team to turn the ball over in a game decided by a single score.
New Orleans is 1-1 with both games on the road. Going into Baltimore and winning on the strength of clean, patient football is a result that travels: no turnovers, 2 for 2 on fourth down and a fourth-quarter comeback finished by Tyler Shough.