Saints Fall To 0-1 With Loss To The Lions

The New Orleans Saints fall to 0-1 to start the 2026 NFL season after an intense 31-30 loss to the Detroit Lions. The Saints started the game down 21 points, but fought back forcing the game into overtime.

Saints Scoring

Kendre Miller 8-yard rushing touchdown

The Saints’ scoring opens up after taking a 21-0 deficit. Running back Kendre Miller takes it in for an 8-yard rushing touchdown.

Tyler Shough 1-yard passing touchdown to Devaughn Vele

Tyler Shough gets his first touchdown of the season, throwing a pretty pass to the outside for Devaughn Vele, who brought it in for a 1-yard receiving touchdown.

Daniel Carlson 28-yard field goal

Kicker Daniel Carlson gets his first official make of the Season after making a 28-yard attempt.

Tyler Shough 9-yard passing touchdown to Juwan Johnson

Shough finds his former college teammate Juwan Johnson for his second passing touchdown of the game.

Tyler Shough 8-yard passing touchdown to Noah Fant

The Saints tie it up in overtime after Shough connects with veteran tight end Noah Fant on an 8-yard passing touchdown. New Orleans would go for a two-point attempt and fail to convert.

Team Stats

Passing Offense: 410 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions

Rushing Offense: 91 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, 3.6 yards per carry.

Passing Defense: 204 passing yards allowed, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions.

Rushing Defense: 165 rushing yards allowed, 2 touchdowns, 5.0 yards per carry

Turnovers: 3

Penalties: 6 penalties, 53 yards

Third Down Efficiency: 8-17

Fourth Down Efficiency: 2-2

Sacks allowed: 5, 32 yards

Player Stats

WR Tyler Shough: 35/56, 410 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble lost

WR Chris Olave: 10 receptions, 182 yards

WR Devaughn Vele: 7 receptions, 69 yards, 1 touchdown

RB Kendre Miller: 9 carries, 30 yards, 1 touchdown, 3.3 yards per carry

RB Travie Etienne Jr: 9 carries, 46 yards, 5.1 yards per carry.

S Jonas Sanker: 10 tackles, 7 solo, 1 tackle for loss (1 “should-be” touchdown”)

LB Kaden Ellis: 9 tackles, 3 solo, 1 pass defended

P Ryan Wright: 5 punts, 238 yards, 47.6 average

K Daniel Carlson: 1/2. 28-yard long

Next week @ Baltimore Ravens

Despite the loss, the Saints showed fight to the end of the game, and it all came down to the final 2-point conversion. New Orleans will now travel to take on another tough opponent in the Baltimore Ravens, who just beat the Indianapolis Colts 41-23.