Untimely errors killed the New Orleans Saints’ chances to earn their first win of the 2025 NFL season ... again.
A missed field goal in the first quarter and a third-quarter fumble that led to a San Francisco touchdown drive were the difference in a 26-21 loss to the 49ers. For the second consecutive week the Saints had a chance to flip the result on the final drive, but this time it bogged down with around midfield with a 4th down fumble sealing the result.
Saints running back Alvin Kamara rushed for 99 yards on 21 carries, but he committed the costly fumble in the second half on a strange-looking play that saw him pin a catch to his helmet with one hand. Fred Warner punched the ball out before Kamara touched the ground and the call was overturned on review. Quarterback Spencer Rattler had one of his best days as a pro in the losing effort, completing 25 of 34 passes (73.5%) for 204 yards and three TDs, all three of which came in the red zone. It was Rattler's first career game with more than one touchdown pass.
"We've got to start faster. ... I thought we ran the ball well all day," QB Spencer Rattler said. "Man, we're close though. We're close. These games come down to the wire and we've got to do what winning teams do."
The Saints came out hot in this game hot on offense, connecting on a long pass to Rashid Shaheed and driving to the 22-yard line before missed connections stalled things, including one ball that could've been a touchdown to Chris Olave. Blake Grupe's attempt from sliced wide right, taking away the Saints' chance for an early lead. It was Grupe's second short miss of the season after a stellar training camp. The Saints never led in the game.
After the teams traded punts, the 49ers took advantage of two Saints penalties — a pass interference on third down and an illegal hands to the face call — to work their way into the red zone. Quarterback Mac Jones connected with Luke Farrell on an 11-yard pass to score the game’s first touchdown with 3:32 remaining in the first quarter, though Kicker Eddie Pineiro missed the extra point.
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At least three drops and other mistakes plagued the Saints in the first quarter and the Saints fell behind 9-0 after a Pineiro make from 44 yards out.
"There's pain, just with losing again, another short one. But it really comes down to we've got to do more of what winning football teams do," Head coach Kellen Moore said. "We've got to play better in situational football. We've got to pounce on opportunities when they're presented and we've got to give ourself a better chance."
The Saints looked to capture momentum just before halftime with the Saints driving for a touchdown on an 18-yard strike to Juwan Johnson, with the tight end atoning for some mistakes himself. Rattler was five-for-five for 55 yards on the drive, including a 20-yard completion to Brandin Cooks to get things moving. Rattler also broke a tackle on a third down scramble to keep the drive alive. The score pulled the Saints within 9-7, but the defense was unable to make it hold up.
That momentum was stolen by the 49ers just a few moments later. Mac Jones, who had a stellar day in relief of Brock Purdy, led the 49ers on a nine-play, 77-yard drive that he capped off with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Christian McCaffery with 11 seconds left. The score sent the 49ers into the break with a 16-7 advantage.
The Saints defense opened the second half by recording its first takeaway of the season. Defensive end Chris Rumph stripped the ball from Jones as he attempted to pass and linebacker Demario Davis scooped up the ball to give the Saints possession inside 49ers territory. The Saints went 10 plays and finished it off with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Shaheed. Rattler again had a nice moment using his legs to keep the drive alive on a 4th down option keeper, and he showed impressive poise for a player in just his 8th NFL start.
The 49ers responded with a 46-yard field goal from Pineiro to make the score 19-14 with 3:20 left in the third quarter. The Saints had their best chance to take control of the game on the ensuing drive, which ended on the Kamara fumble. Eight plays later, the 49ers extended their lead thanks to a 42-yard pass from Jones to receiver Jauan Jennings on a 3rd and 11 snap. It was one of several missed opportunities for the Saints to get off the field in third and long situations, something that has hampered the defense significantly over the first two weeks. The Saints have forced their opponents into 3rd and 7 or longer 17 times over their first two games, but they've only gotten off the field in seven of those instances.
The Saints kept fighting, a positive trait of this group, putting together another scoring drive that Rattler capped off with a 3-yard pass to newly acquired WR Devaugn Vele with 6:18 left in the game. That score trimmed the lead to 26-21, and that's where things ended. The Saints defense did force a pair of 49ers punts to give the offense a chance. The Saints worked the ball from their own 6-yard-line to their own 42, but that’s as far as it got. 49ers linebacker Fred Warner strip sacked Rattler on a fourth down play, forcing a turnover on downs after Cesar Ruiz recovered the ball.
Jones finished the day completing 26 out of 39 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns. McCaffrey rushed for 55 yards on 15 carries and recorded 52 yards and a touchdown receiving. Jennings finished the day with 89 yards and a touchdown on 10 catches.
The Saints play on the road for the first time next week, facing the Seattle Seahawks.