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Saints vs. Chargers Final Score: 35-34: A Comeback for the Ages

Trying to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat, Saints could not keep the Chargers' Melvin Gordon out of the endzone, yet they found a way to overcome a second half 13-point deficit. At 1-3, New Orleans goes into its bye week with tons of questions but a much better taste in their mouth.

By JR Ella
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Saints Win! Saints Win!

***

1st Quarter

  • Saints receive and drive right down the field, capping the drive with a Mark Ingram rushing touchdown
  • Saints take a 7-0 lead
  • On the first defensive possession, Saints force a rare three-and-out.
  • On the second offensive possession, Strief gives up a sack and Saints have to punt
  • After a great punt return, Chargers drive deep into Saints' territory
  • Chargers easily answer by throwing a touchdown to tight end Hunter Henry
  • Game tied 7-7
  • Saints get the ball back and convert a big 3rd and 1 as the quarter ends

2nd Quarter

  • A false start on Jahri Evans forces the Saints into a 3rd and 13
  • Saints convert another big third down to Brandin Cooks
  • On 3rd and 5 in Chargers territory, Brees finds Willie Snead for a first down
  • Saints utilize rookie RB Daniel Lasco a lot on this drive
  • Brees finds FB John Kuhn for his first passing touchdown of the game
  • Saints lead 14-7
  • Saints defense gets its first sack of Philip Rivers, forcing Chargers into a 2nd and 13
  • Chargers convert a 3rd and 9 to keep their drive going
  • Rivers finds a wide open Dontrelle Inman for a touchdown
  • Game tied at 14
  • On the next possession, Brees throws a tipped ball interception on the first play
  • Chargers offense finds the red zone in the blink of an eye
  • Saints hold the Chargers to a field goal attempt
  • Chargers take a 17-14 lead
  • Saints take the ball deep in their own territory
  • Brees is sacked at the Saints' goal line and barely avoids a safety
  • Chargers start with the ball on the Saints' side of the field
  • Chargers convert a crushing 3rd and 12 into the Saints' red zone
  • Byrd gets a pick on a Rivers throw, but it's brought back by a Nick Fairley offside penalty
  • Melvin Gordon finds the endzone to extend the Chargers' lead
  • Chargers lead 24-14 at halftime


3rd Quarter

  • Chargers get the ball to start the second half
  • Saints force the Chargers off the field after San Diego's second three-and-out
  • Saints start their drive near at Chargers' 48-yard line
  • Brees finds Fleener for a big 3 and 9 conversion
  • Saints convert another 3rd down to Ingram for a 1st and goal
  • John Kuuuuuuuuuhn finds the endzone again
  • Saints trail 24-21
  • Chargers go three-and-out in consecutive possessions and punt. Do you believe in miracles? Yes!
  • Saints produce a three-and-out of their own and pin the Chargers deep
  • After a few first downs, San Diego has to punt again
  • Saints again go three-and-out on three passes
  • Chargers drive deep into Saints territory as the quarter ends

4th Quarter
  • Melvin Gordon rushes into the endzone to extend their lead back to 10
  • Chargers lead 31-21
  • Brees throws another INT on an overthrow to Michael Thomas
  • Chargers settled for a 47-yard field goal attempt and make it
  • Chargers lead 34-21
  • Saints take the ball near midfield then stall and punt
  • On the next Chargers possession, Melvin Gordon fumbles and Saints recover
  • Brees throws a touchdown to rookie WR Michael Thomas
  • Saints cut the lead to 34-28
  • Chargers fumble the ball on the very next possession and Saints recover again
  • Saints get to the Chargers one-yard line at the two-minute warning
  • Fullback John Kuhn rushes into the endzone
  • Saints take back the lead 35-34
  • Chargers go backwards and face a 4th and 22
  • Saints intercept the ball to end the game



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