The New Orleans Saints improved to 3-2 with a hard-fought 30-27 overtime win against the Los Angeles Chargers. And for the second week in a row, the Saints had to overcome a double digit deficit.
New Orleans fell behind 20-3 in the first half with their first six possessions looking like this: punt, punt, field goal, punt (3 and out), interception, punt.
“[It was a] lethargic effort in the first half,” WWL NFL analyst Mike Detillier said. “But you don't get extra for style points. You've got to find a way to win in this league. It might be ugly, but it's all about wins in the end. And you found out a way to win last night.”
New Orleans did start to bounce back in the final two minutes of the first half. Drew Brees went 5-7 for 50 yards and capped the drive with a 1 yard rushing touchdown with 14 seconds left. Brees finished the night 33-47 for 325 yards with 1 passing touchdown (plus the rushing touchdown) and 1 interception.
“You saw some clinics last night with him,” Detillier said. “He knew just how to pick you apart; and he just kept moving it, moving it, and moving it. At his age, he understands it's not always going to be that way. You're going to be able to touch the greatness every once in awhile, but it's the inconsistent part.
“Father Time beats everybody,” Detillier continued. “I don't care what profession you're in; it catches you. Drew had that look that kind of said 'I used to be able to do that all the time.' At times, you can see he's still got it.”
The Saints made the plays to win, but a little luck doesn't hurt either. New Orleans tied the game up 27-27 with 52 second left in the fourth quarter. The Chargers proceeded to get into position to attempt a 50 yard field goal with 5 seconds remaining. Their kicker, Michael Badgley, has a career long of 59 yards and had made a 53 yarder earlier this season. His attempt bounced off one of the uprights, however, and was no good.
“When somebody wins the lottery, are they good at pick the numbers; or are they lucky?” Detillier, asked. “Come on, that ain't nothing but luck. The man upstairs wants you to win. The chances of that are unbelievable. You take whatever luck the football gods give you.”
The win moved the Saints into first place in the NFC South as they head into their bye week. The Carolina Panthers are next up on October 25th.
