The Saints walked out of Paris with a loss in a game that never really opened up, and that’s what makes it sting. New Orleans had every reason to treat this one like a must-have, from Gayle Benson’s comments two weeks ago to the fact that the team was the representative in France. Instead, the offense couldn’t find a run game, ran into red-zone problems, and let a very winnable game slip away.
The defense kept things tight for most of the afternoon, but the offense produced most of the bright spots even in defeat. Tyler Shough, dealing with a broken hand, an offensive line that wasn’t giving him much help, confusing play calling and no ground support, turned in one of his better outings in weeks.
Pittsburgh’s defense is strong, but it does not blitz often, and that gave Shough the kind of look where he can settle in and make plays. He wasn’t perfect, and with so much of the offense resting on his shoulders that was bound to show at times, but overall he handled the load well.
Barion Brown was the other clear offensive spark, and he contributed in two different ways. In the return game, he looked noticeably improved and had a few strong moments.
It’s still a work in progress, but it was better. On offense, he finally got used more consistently and delivered the Saints’ longest reception of the year on a deep throw from Shough.
He also chipped in with work underneath. It was easily the best game of his young career.
On the defensive side, Chase Young supplied the defining second-half push. He was quiet early while Aaron Rodgers was able to pick apart the defense on the run, but Young kept building as the game went on.
He came through with a clutch sack on third down in the red zone and added another in the fourth quarter to help get the ball back to the offense. That late surge was a big reason the game stayed within reach.
In Other News...
Steelers Fans Had One Big Problem With Jason Kelce In Paris
Jason Kelces first run through the NFLs international broadcast circuit has not been especially smooth, and the rough edges were on display again during the Steelers game in Paris. The retired guard has already drawn scrutiny from viewers for his work in the booth, and this one only added to the chatter as fans picked apart the small mistakes that can stand out in a big showcase setting.
One of the more noticeable misses came when Kelce referred to Steelers running back Jaylen Warren by the wrong name, a slip that quickly made the rounds among viewers. Kurt Warner made a similar mistake, but Kelce took most of the heat, another reminder that even in a game being played overseas, the microscope on the broadcast can be just as sharp as the one on the field. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Suddenly Face A Tyler Shough Problem They Couldnt Afford
Tyler Shoughs arrival in Saints camp already carried extra weight because of how much pressure has been building on the passing game, and that burden only grew as the run game continued to sputter. The offense has needed more from the quarterback room to keep things moving, and Shough has been right in the middle of that conversation while dealing with injury concerns that have followed him.
The latest setback came after a sack during training camp, when his right hand was examined and the offense reportedly felt the impact. Shough has already shown a willingness to play through hand issues, and with a bye week now ahead, the Saints have at least a brief window to let him recover before the next stretch of camp and preseason work. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Have One Dominant Strength And Two Frustrating Problems
The Saints still have one part of the roster that looks more than ready for a bigger stage: the pass rush. Chase Young and Carl Granderson were disruptive again against the Steelers, combining for three sacks and continuing to give New Orleans a front-line edge that has been a consistent bright spot. Even with Granderson having missed a game, the pair has piled up pressure at a rate few teams can match, giving the defense a foundation to lean on week after week.
Offensively, the picture is much less encouraging. The run game never got going against Pittsburgh, and the Saints also struggled to cash in on long possessions that should have produced points. When a team can string together extended drives but still come away empty too often, it leaves little margin for error, especially if the rushing attack is stuck near the bottom of the league in efficiency. That imbalance is what makes New Orleans such a frustrating watch right now, because the defense is doing its part while the offense keeps leaving chances on the table. [Read more 🡒]