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The New Orleans Saints were simply outplayed by the Seahawks in their embarrassing 34-7 loss to Seattle on ESPN's Monday Night Football.
The offense just couldn't move the ball against a very talented and stingy Seahawks secondary. And on defense, the Saints looked more like their 2012 self, giving up big plays, leaving players wide open, and unable to make stops or get off the field.
To be sure, it was an ugly game for the Saints. About as ugly as it gets. Here's a quick recap.
The Turning Point
Drew Brees' fumble and the subsequent scoop and score by Seattle on the Saints' second drive of the game. It was all over from there. The Seahawks gained a 10 point lead, momentum and never looked back.
The Good
Not much to feel positive about after this game. Special teams played pretty well. Thomas Morstead did a great job, as usual, of punting the football and Garrett Hartley didn't miss any kicks. Huzzah! Also, Luke McCown got some real game action. Oh wait, that's bad.
The Bad
You mean aside from the ass kicking the they just took? Just about everything. Offense. Defense. Hard to even know where to start. I think we've all got to be honest with ourselves and realize that the Saints are simply not the same team on the road, and even worse in cold weather. Which sucks because the Saints pretty much just gave up their chance for homefield advantage in the playoffs with this loss to the Seahawks.
Saints Offensive MVP
Jed Collins, who had one rush for 12 yards, the longest of his career.
Saints Defensive MVP
Curtis Lofton is the only defensive player I can think of right now who put together a solid 60 minutes of football tonight. He's quietly having a very good season.
Saints Who Starred
Thomas Morstead, Garrett Hartley, Marques Colston
Saints Who Struggled
Drew Brees, who threw for only 147 yards, his lowest with the Saints. Cam Jordan, who was neutralized to a non-factor. Everyone in the Saints secondary, for letting plays like this happen.
Crazy Stat of the Game
The Saints had only 188 total yard of offense. That is the lowest in the Sean Payon-Drew Brees era.
Tweet of the Game
Sean Payton's son, Connor, can't take it anymore.
I'm done watching #tvoff
— Connor Payton (@ctpayton19) December 3, 2013
Gif of the Game
This about sums it all up.
Injury Update
Zach Strief appeared to injure his knee. He left the game and went to the locker room between the third and fourth quarters.
What's Next
The Saints have a short week to prepare for another huge game, their first matchup of the season against NFC South rivals Carolina Panthers (9-2). That game was flexed and will now air on NBC's Sunday Night Football, December 7th, 2013.
With the loss tonight, the Saints have little-to-no chance of getting the NFC's No. 1 seed overall. Which means the two games against Carolina now become even more important than ever, as New Orleans needs to win the division and at least grab the No. 2 seed. Otherwise, it's a lowly Wild Card.
Final Stats
Team Stats
| NO | SEA | ||
| First Downs | 12 | 23 | |
| Total Yards | 188 | 429 | |
| Passing Yards | 144 | 302 | |
| Rushing Yards | 44 | 127 | |
| Penalties (Yds) | 7(52) | 8(66) | |
| Turnovers | 1 | 0 | |
| Punts (AVG) | 6(46) | 3(40) | |
| Time of Pos. | 26:22 | 33:38 |
Top Performers
| NEW ORLEANS SAINTS | ||||
| Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
| D. Brees | 23/38 | 147 | 1 | 0 |
| Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
| M. Ingram | 8 | 22 | 0 | 8 |
| J. Collins | 1 | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| D. Sproles | 7 | 32 | 0 | 10 |
| M. Colston | 4 | 27 | 0 | 14 |
| P. Thomas | 4 | 21 | 0 | 9 |
| SEATTLE SEAHAWKS | ||||
| Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
| R. Wilson | 22/30 | 310 | 3 | 0 |
| Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
| R. Wilson | 8 | 47 | 0 | 15 |
| M. Lynch | 16 | 45 | 0 | 14 |
| Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| Z. Miller | 5 | 86 | 1 | 60 |
| D. Baldwin | 4 | 77 | 1 | 52 |
| G. Tate | 4 | 45 | 0 | 17 |
