Saints Catch Fire Late in Season, Roll Past Jets Behind Big Days from Shough, Olave, and Smyth
It’s Victory Monday in New Orleans, and while the Saints’ playoff hopes have long since faded, they’re not going quietly into the offseason. After a convincing 29-6 win over the New York Jets at the Caesars Superdome, the Saints are now riding a three-game win streak and improving to 5-10 on the season.
This one was never really in doubt. From the jump, the Saints controlled the tempo, and quarterback Tyler Shough delivered one of his most complete performances yet.
The rookie was sharp and composed in the pocket, completing 32 of 49 passes for 308 yards and a touchdown. It was the kind of game that showed why the Saints are so high on his development - efficient, confident, and in command of the offense.
Shough’s favorite target on the day? That would be Chris Olave, who turned in a career afternoon at just the right time.
The third-year wideout exploded for 149 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing the full range of his route-running and after-the-catch ability. Whether it was working the sidelines or finding soft spots in the Jets’ zone, Olave was simply unguardable.
This was the kind of performance that reminds you why he’s viewed as a cornerstone of the Saints' offense moving forward.
And then there was Charlie Smyth - the kicker who quietly tied a franchise record with five made field goals. In a game where the Saints’ offense moved the ball consistently but stalled in the red zone a few times, Smyth’s reliability was crucial. He kept the scoreboard ticking and helped put the game out of reach early in the second half.
Defensively, New Orleans did exactly what you want to see against a struggling Jets offense: apply pressure, limit big plays, and force mistakes. The Saints held the Jets to just six points - a testament to a defense that’s playing with pride down the stretch.
Next up, the Saints hit the road to face the Tennessee Titans, who are coming off a surprising 26-9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The Titans, now 3-12, showed some life in that upset, and they’ll be looking to keep that momentum going at home.
Kickoff is set for 12 noon at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, with the game airing on CBS.
As of now, the Saints are 3-point favorites according to FanDuel, with the over/under sitting at 38.5 points. Those numbers could shift as the week progresses, but one thing’s clear: the Saints are heating up, and they’re not mailing it in. With Shough gaining confidence, Olave hitting his stride, and the defense playing with purpose, this team is finishing the season with something to say.