NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The New Orleans Saints finally got their first victory of the season, forcing five turnovers en route to besting the New York Giants in the Caesars Superdome, 26-14.
The outcome gave Kellen Moore his first victory as an NFL head coach, and also let Spencer Rattler register his first win as an NFL starting quarterback. The Saints’ second-year quarterback had entered the contest with an 0-10 record.
The Saints’ opportunistic defense forced and recovered three fumbles in the game. The last one resulted in a Jordan Howden 86-yard recovery runback for a touchdown.
New Orleans cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry also terrorized Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, the rookie from Ole Miss. McKinstry intercepted two passes in the second half.
For the first time since Week 1, the Saints led in a game, taking a 16-14 advantage into halftime.
The main reason for the lead: Three Blake Grupe field goals, plus a Rattler-to-Rashid Shaheed connection that went 87 yards for a touchdown.
Grupe connected on field goals from 28, 53 and 29 yards. But he also missed twice, from 52 and 46 yards out.
Rattler completed 20 of 30 passes for 225 yards and the TD to Shaheed, and the Saints (1-4) did not turn the ball over. Through five weeks of the season, New Orleans has the same record as the Baltimore Ravens, a preseason pick of many to reach the Super Bowl.
Dart came out on fire against the Saints. On the Giants’ first two drives, the rookie threw touchdown passes to tight end Theo Johnson. He also had 27 yards rushing.
Dart completed 26 of 40 passes for 202 yards, two TDs and two interceptions for the Giants (1-3).
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson is hit Sunday (Oct. 5) by Saints linebacker...
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson is hit Sunday (Oct. 5) by Saints linebacker Demario Davis. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)(Butch Dill | AP)
Saints safety Justin Reid sustained a concussion early in the second quarter and was unable to return. Rookie safety Jonas Sanker recovered a fumble in the first half.
The Saints are home again next Sunday, hosting the New England Patriots in a 12 p.m. game at Caesars Superdome.
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