New Orleans
Saints

The New Orleans Saints delivered the biggest upset of the weekend, marching into Baltimore as 8.5-point underdogs and leaving with a 24-17 victory over the Ravens. Quarterback Tyler Shough was the undisputed game MVP, orchestrating a masterful performance that saw him complete 79% of his passes for 252 yards and a touchdown, adding another score on the ground. Shough's poise, especially after falling behind early and losing left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. to injury, signals a potential franchise cornerstone. Beyond the quarterback, several Saints players showcased elevated play. Chase Young, a homecoming player, was a defensive force with 4 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 tackles for loss, disrupting Baltimore's potent offense. Receiver Devaughn Vele proved a reliable third-down option, hauling in 5 catches for 64 yards, providing a crucial vertical threat. Tight end Juwan Johnson continued his ascent, grabbing 4 passes for 66 yards, including a pivotal third-down conversion. Chris Olave remained the primary target, snagging 8 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier wideouts with elite route running and improved contested-catch ability. Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley deserves immense credit for his game plan against the Ravens. His unit expertly countered Baltimore's bootleg and play-action schemes, limiting explosive plays and keeping Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry in check. The defense held the Ravens to just three points in the second half, a testament to their disciplined execution. Kaden Elliss also made a significant impact, proving to be a mismatch against Baltimore's interior pass protectors and forcing the Ravens to adjust their offensive strategy, which helped contain Derrick Henry. This victory propels the Saints to a 1-1 record and puts them in a stronger position within the NFC South, which saw Carolina (1-1) dominate, while Tampa Bay (0-2) and Atlanta (0-2) continue to struggle. The Saints now return to the Superdome for their home opener against the 2-0 Las Vegas Raiders, a team that has also started the season strong under former Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. While it's too early to definitively label the Saints as Super Bowl contenders, their performance against Baltimore has silenced doubters and raised legitimate questions about their potential. The win was the most impressive for New Orleans since Sean Payton's departure, and the excitement surrounding Tyler Shough and this emerging team is palpable. However, the team still faces challenges, having trailed by double digits for the second consecutive week, indicating areas that need refinement despite their impressive resilience. Adding to the challenging news on the offensive line, Kelvin Banks Jr. is expected to miss significant time with an injury, a blow to an already tested unit. The Saints' ability to overcome adversity, as demonstrated against the Ravens, will be crucial as they navigate the rest of the season.