2024-09-23 10:45:03
After leading the league in scoring for the first two games the Saints offense couldn’t find its way Sunday and had to settle for two Blake Grupe field goals for most of the game. New Orleans was playing without do-everything Taysom Hill (chest injury) lost center Erik McCoy on the first series and right guard Cesar Ruiz in the fourth quarter. The rushing lanes and pass protection wasn’t there as Carr was 14 of 25 for 142 yards, ending his streak of seven consecutive games with at least two touchdown passes. Kamara had 26 carries for 87 yards and a nifty 27-yard reception. Olave had six catches for 86 yards.
Kamara moved past legend Deuce McAllister for second place on the team’s all-time rushing list, trailing Mark Ingram (who was in attendance along with fellow legends Drew Brees and Steve Gleason). Kamara has 6,114 yards while Ingram has 6,500.
The Saints defense was stout throughout as it got big plays from defensive end Carl Granderson (strip-sack), safety Tyrann Mathieu (interception), defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (two sacks) but the big run by Barkley and long catch by Goedert was too much to overcome. Special-teamer J.T. Gray blocked an Eagles punt in the third quarter but the offense couldn’t do anything with the excellent field position.
The Eagles lost star right tackle Lane Johnson and receiver Devonta Smith to head injuries during the game.
The Saints will play at the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Sept. 29. Atlanta plays Kansas City on “Sunday Night Football.”
