'Errors' Tour: Saints miscues steal the show in 26-8 loss to Chargers

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The Saints started strong after deferring on the opening toss, forcing the Los Angeles Chargers into early struggles. Justin Herbert completed only one of his first five passes, as the Saints’ defense stifled their initial two drives. A miscue between the Chargers’ long snapper and punter JK Scott on their second punt led to a safety, giving the Saints an early 2-0 advantage.

By the second quarter, the game’s score looked more like something out of the World Series – the Chargers took a narrow lead with a 46-yard field goal, making it 3-2. The Saints’ defense kept up the pressure, nearly intercepting Herbert on a close call by Elijah Molden. Despite a few costly penalties, the Chargers managed to punch in a touchdown but missed the extra point, extending their lead to 9-2.

Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler responded by driving the offense downfield, setting up a field goal to close the gap to 9-5 at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Saints’ defense continued to press Herbert, with Scott Matlock delivering a sack and Daiyan Henley forcing an incompletion. Although the Chargers extended their lead with a 60-yard touchdown, the Saints responded with one of the day’s most exciting plays when Bud Dupree helped turn a short run by Alvin Kamara into a first down. The Saints eventually added a field goal, narrowing the score to 16-8.

With the defense holding strong and the offense showing flashes, the Saints kept themselves within striking distance, setting up a potentially decisive fourth quarter. However, the Chargers quickly kicked a field goal, making it a two-score game. The Saints drove back down the field but only made it to field goal range, where kicker Blake Grupe missed his attempt, ending the day 2-for-3.

Spencer Rattler finished with just over 150 yards passing and limited gains on the ground before being benched in the fourth quarter. Alvin Kamara led the Saints’ rushing effort with 65 yards.

The Chargers added another score before the final whistle, dashing any hopes the team had of a comeback.

The Saints play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

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