It’s time to start taking the New Orleans Saints a little more seriously. That might sound like an overreaction after just two games, but beating the Baltimore Ravens on the road is the kind of win that gets a team’s attention. The Saints entered Baltimore as underdogs and found themselves trailing 14-3 in the second quarter.
Instead of folding, New Orleans completely flipped the game after halftime, scoring the final 15 points to secure a 24-17 victory. Tyler Shough continues to show why there is growing excitement surrounding him as one of the NFL’s next star quarterbacks. He completed 27 of 34 passes for 252 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 23 yards on nine carries and the game-winning score with under two minutes remaining. Chris Olave added eight catches for 86 yards and a touchdown, while the defense held Lamar Jackson and the Ravens to only three points after halftime. Those are the types of complementary performances that can make a team dangerous.
But this is where the overreaction comes in. The Saints are just two games in, and one road victory doesn’t suddenly erase every question surrounding a team that is still figuring itself out.
New Orleans also trailed by double digits for the second consecutive week, meaning the team has plenty to clean up despite its ability to respond. Still, there is something different about beating a team like Baltimore in its own building. The Saints now return home for their first game at Caesars Superdome against the 2-0 Las Vegas Raiders. If they can carry the momentum from Baltimore into that matchup, the conversation around this team could change quickly. Are the Saints contenders?
It is probably too early to say. But after Sunday, it is no longer unreasonable to ask the question.
