A furious comeback by the New Orleans Saints came up just short. A failed two-point conversion killed the Saints’ comeback effort, allowing the Washington Commanders to escape with a 20-19 victory.
Washington jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first half thanks to two touchdown passes from former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels to receiver Terry McLaurin. Daniels finished the day with 25 completions on 31 attempts for 226 yards and the two touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Saints quarterback Jake Haener struggled in the starting role. He was four-for-ten for 49 yards and an interception in two quarters of action. Saints coach Darren Rizzi replaced Haener with rookie Spencer Rattler in the second half, and the Black-and-Gold’s offensive fortunes changed. Alvin Kamara caught the Saints first touchdown midway through the third quarter on a wide receiver option pass from Cedric Wilson, Jr. Blake Grupe tacked on two field goals in the fourth quarter, pulling the Saints within seven points.
The Saints pulled within a point with 0:00 on the clock when Rattler found tight end Foster Moreau for a one-yard touchdown pass. However, the ensuing two-point conversion failed as Juwan Johnson dropped Rattler’s pass in double coverage.
The Saints (5-9) will next play at Green Bay next Monday night.
