Tommy DeVito's cinderella story rolled into the Caesars Superdome, but that's where the clock struck midnight behind a ferocious Saints pash rush and an efficient offense in a 24-6 Saints win.
New Orleans pressured the rookie relentlessly and rolled up 7 sacks after managing just 24 through the first 13 games of the year, and the all-around effort was what Bobby Hebert said he's been waiting to see from this Saints group all year.
Listen to Bobby Hebert's full post-game rant in the player above. Can't see the embed? Click here.
"Finally we had a game in the Caesars Superdome that we can be proud of," Hebert said.
And that was true in pretty much all facets. The Saints' success started on early downs as they limited star Saquon Barkley and backup Matt Breida to 24 yards on 12 carries. DeVito was their leading rusher with 36 yards on four QB runs. That led to obvious passing situations and the defense teed off with four different players logging sacks, led by Tanoh Kpassagnon with three.
But the biggest element was that it was complemented by an efficient offense that continued to score touchdowns in the red zone. The Saints were 2-for-2 in this game and have now scored touchdowns on 9 of their last 10 trips inside the 20. Derek Carr had his best day in a Saints uniform, completing 23-28 passes for 218 yards, three touchdowns and no turnovers. He was only sacked once, and spread the ball around to 10 different pass-catchers. Five players had more than 30 yards receiving, led by Alvin Kamara with 44.
"That’s how you keep defenses off balance, where it’s not like I’m going to forcefeed individual receivers," Hebert said. "Some fantasy people might not like it whenever you’re spreading the ball around, but it’s a headache for opposing defensive coordinators whenever you’re able to execute like that. But an outstanding, dominant win."
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There won't be much time to celebrate, with the Saints now shipping out west for a Thursday Night Football showdown against the L.A. Rams. The Falcons were knocked off by the lowly Panthers, but the Bucs got past the Packers, meaning there's still a tie atop the NFC South at 7-7. The Saints win helped them keep pace, but they still only control their destiny if they keep taking the down the teams across from them.
They'll have to continue to get after the QB, this time Matt Stafford, for a third straight win.
"I can tell you right now, we’re just a better team than the New York Football Giants. I’m not saying we’re the Eagles or the Cowgirls or the 49ers, but we’re in the hunt," Hebert continued. "I’m telling you, we’re in the hunt, and you don’t have to win a series. It’s one game. So you know what? It’s the playoffs come Thursday night against the Rams. How about we go beat the Rams in that playoff game come Thursday night?"