Saints Fall to Dolphins in Week 13: A Tale of Two Halves, and a Team Still Searching for Answers
The New Orleans Saints dropped to 2-10 after a 27-21 loss to the Miami Dolphins, and while the final score might suggest a close contest, this was a game that told a much more complicated story. The Saints came alive late, but once again, it wasn’t enough.
At this point in the season, with playoff hopes long gone, the focus shifts to development, evaluation, and the ever-important draft positioning. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t meaningful takeaways from Sunday’s game.
Let’s break down what worked, what didn’t, and what’s next for a team still trying to find its footing.
What Went Right
Let’s start with the bright spots-because yes, there were some.
**Cameron Jordan turned back the clock. ** The veteran edge rusher showed he’s still got juice, racking up two of the Saints’ four sacks on Tua Tagovailoa.
The defense got to Tua six times in total, applying pressure that forced some uncomfortable moments for Miami’s offense. Rookie corner Kool-Aid McKinstry came up with a clutch interception in the end zone, and fellow rookie Quincy Riley nearly added one of his own.
The defense didn’t dominate, but they made plays when it mattered.
**On offense, Devaughn Vele delivered the breakout performance fans have been waiting for. ** The midseason acquisition was electric in the second half, catching all eight of his targets for 93 yards and a touchdown.
He even recovered a rare onside kick, giving the Saints a shot at a miracle comeback. It was the kind of performance that validates the trade and offers hope that Vele can be a long-term contributor.
**Then there’s Tyler Shough. ** The rookie quarterback didn’t have a clean game-he was sacked four times and threw a costly two-point conversion pick that was returned for two points the other way-but he showed resilience.
He stood tall in the pocket, delivered some gutsy throws under pressure, and made plays with his legs when things broke down. If Chris Olave hauls in a late end-zone target that slipped through his hands, we’re probably talking about a 275-yard, three-touchdown performance and a Saints win.
That’s how close it was.
What Went Wrong
The first half was, quite simply, a disaster.
New Orleans managed just 63 yards of offense through two quarters-their lowest halftime total in over 50 years. That’s not just bad, that’s historically bad.
And a lot of the blame falls on the offensive game plan. Kellen Moore’s play-calling lacked rhythm, creativity, and any real sense of identity.
There was no balance between the run and pass, no effort to get the ball into the hands of playmakers like Vele or Olave early, and no clear strategy to leverage Shough’s strengths as a passer downfield.
It’s not just about execution-it’s about design. And right now, the design isn’t helping anyone.
**Defensively, the Saints were gashed on the ground. ** De’Von Achane ran wild, piling up 134 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries.
The Dolphins controlled the tempo, dictated the pace, and kept the Saints defense on its heels. Linebacker Pete Werner struggled with positioning and tackling, and the defensive front-especially the interior-couldn’t hold the point of attack.
Davon Godchaux played heavy snaps, but the run defense still looked porous. That’s a problem.
The Bottom Line
This team is flawed. That’s not new information, but it becomes more apparent each week.
The Saints lack offensive firepower, and the players they do have aren’t being put in the best positions to succeed. Devin Neal led the team in rushing with just 47 yards on 14 carries-a stat line that speaks volumes about the lack of push from the offensive line and the predictability of the ground game.
Fundamentals continue to be an issue, especially on both lines of scrimmage. And while it’s easy to point fingers at players, the coaching staff has to wear a lot of this.
Head coach Kellen Moore is still adjusting to the demands of the top job, and it shows. Whether it’s questionable play-calling, in-game adjustments, or overall team preparedness, the Saints are falling short.
If you’re being outgained by that margin in the first half and still calling your own plays, it might be time to consider handing over the headset-at least temporarily. Something has to change.
What’s Next
The Saints head back to Florida next week for a rematch with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers-the same Bucs team that dominated them 23-3 earlier in the season. Another loss would all but officially close the book on any remote NFC South hopes.
But beyond the standings, this is about showing progress. Can Moore and his staff build on the second-half spark?
Can Shough continue to grow? Can the defense tighten up against the run?
There’s still football left to play, and for a team in transition, every snap is a chance to evaluate, improve, and maybe-just maybe-lay the foundation for something better in 2026.