The New Orleans Saints played their first road game of the preseason when they paid a visit to the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Here’s a quick review of what was a disappointing day for the black and gold.
Stetson Bennett started the game at quarterback for LA, though the Saints were able to force the Rams into a quick punt on the opening drive.
Zach Wilson and the Saints offense didn’t fare much better, however, with an unnecessary roughness penalty against rookie guard Jeremiah Wright forcing New Orleans into a 3rd-and-long and then a punt of their own.
Bennett returned and put a longer possession together, including a 4th-down conversion to Tyler Scott for 16 yards.
After the Saints defense was able to halt the drive in the red zone, Harrison Mevis converted from 26 yards for the opening field goal.
Trailing 3-0, a number of penalties hurt the Saints on the ensuing drive as they sought to respond.
Facing 3rd-and-11, Wilson was intercepted by Al’Zillion Hamilton on the first play of the quarter.
The Rams took advantage of the short field, with Bennett eventually running in himself for a 1-yard touchdown and a 10-0 lead.
Wilson returned and converted a 3rd down with a pass to Moliki Matavao near midfield, but the black and gold were once again unable to get into scoring position. A throw intended for Kevin Austin Jr was incomplete on 4th down, forcing a Saints turnover.
Bennett returned and put together an 11-play, 56-yard touchdown drive, once again running it in himself for the score and a 17-0 lead.
New Orleans was fruitless on the ensuing drive, with another quick punt giving the Rams just under two minutes before the half.
But Bennett took advantage yet again, with four consecutive completions for 59 yards getting LA into field goal range.
Mevis converted once more from 26 yards to give the Rams a 20-0 halftime lead.
Spencer Rattler entered the game at QB for the black and gold and started the half on an encouraging note.
Rattler converted his first three throws, including a 25-yard connection with Jalen Moreno-Cropper as New Orleans drove into Rams territory.
But a 78-yard drive ended in the worst fashion. Alex Cook intercepted Rattler on the goal line and returned the ball 100 yards to the house for a Rams touchdown.
Both teams then went three-and-out before the Saints offense returned to the field.
Rattler continued to move the ball, including a 32-yard pass to CJ Donaldson to get New Orleans into the red zone.
But Ty Chandler fumbled near the goal line as he looked to find the end zone.
Ty Simpson entered the game at QB for the Rams, who began their drive on their own 1-yard line.
Simpson delivered a decent drive, including completions for 14 and 15 yards. But the Rams turned it over on downs near the red zone with an incomplete pass on 4th-and-2.
The Saints went three-and-out again before the Rams returned and put together yet another touchdown drive. This one went 66 yards in just over five minutes, capped off with a 12-yard touchdown run by Jarquez Hunter.
With under four minutes to play, Rattler moved the ball quickly as the Saints sought to avoid a shutout. But Tanner Brown missed his 39-yard field goal attempt, summing up a frustrating afternoon for New Orleans.
The Rams knelt out the clock to secure a 34-0 victory.
The Saints will close out the preseason on Friday in Dallas.