The Saints, who have missed the playoffs three straight seasons with 7-9 records in each, served notice to the rest of the NFL with their third-straight victory, one keyed by their once woebegone defense.
New Orleans’ defense has been the bane of the team in recent seasons – historically bad, but Dennis Allen’s unit looked like the real deal in the 52-38 win over Detroit. The Saints defense recorded three TDs, had 16 passes deflected, five sacks, seven tackles for a loss, and three interceptions. The Saints also held Detroit to just 66 yards rushing.
While Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns, much of that production came during Detroit’s desperation comeback attempt.
SIGN UP to watch every NFL game this season on DAZN
The New Orleans defense scored three of the team’s seven touchdowns, all at crucial points in the game.
–The game’s first score was a fumble recovery in the end zone by safety Kenny Vaccaro.
–A 27-yard interception return for a touchdown by Marshon Lattimore in the third quarter made the score 45-10, the Saints’ largest lead of the game.
–With the Saints' lead down to seven with about five minutes left in the fourth quarter, Cameron Jordan batted and then intercepted a Stafford pass in the Detroit end zone to increase New Orleans’ margin to 52-38, the eventual final score.
@camjordan94 being Cam Jordan! #TOUCHDOWN #GoSaints #DETvsNO pic.twitter.com/UxHtFAJDzz
— Brandon ⚜🇺🇸 (@Cheney22213) October 15, 2017
All told, the Saints forced five Lions turnovers – Stafford’s three picks and a pair of fumbles.
While the Lions turned what appeared to be a blowout into a relatively close game, their comeback was fueled by a 58-yard punt return by Thomas Morstead and a pick six of their own by A'Shawn Robinson.
What’s unsettling for the wide-open NFC is that the Saints’ win came despite a mediocre performance by Drew Brees, who finished 20 of 30 for 186 yards, one touchdown and one INT.
The Saints will try to make it four in a row when they visit Green Bay next week, a game that looks infinitely more winnable after the potentially season-ending injury to Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.