Can you even believe this? For the first time since way back in December 2024, nearly two full years ago, the New Orleans Saints actually ended a first quarter with a lead. Think about that for a second. That’s a staggering stretch of playing catch-up right from the opening whistle, a brutal mental grind for any team trying to establish dominance and build early momentum. It was a 2-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tyler Shough to tight end Juwan Johnson that finally shattered this frustrating drought. But even in breaking the streak, it still felt undeniably Saints-esque: the extra point was blocked, leaving the score a precarious 6-3 in New Orleans’ favor. Not exactly a resounding statement, but a lead is a lead, right?
The Long Road to an Early Lead
This wasn’t some effortless cruise to the end zone, not by a long shot. The Saints actually started the game with a quick, frustrating three-and-out, which for many fans, probably felt like business as usual, another game starting with an uphill climb. But then, something shifted. On their very next possession, the offense dug deep and put together a truly monstrous 13-play, 79-yard drive. This wasn’t just about covering distance; it was about sheer determination and refusing to quit. They converted four critical third downs during that march, showing a grit and resilience that’s been sorely missed when it comes to early game situations. Capping it all off, Shough found Johnson on a crucial third-and-goal, finally punching it in and putting the Saints on the scoreboard with an actual lead for a change. It’s hard to overstate the importance of executing in those crunch moments, especially after such a long dry spell.
A New Era, Same Struggles?
The context of this early lead makes it even more impactful, especially considering the man at the helm. This is a significant milestone, marking the very first time the Saints have managed to end a first quarter with a lead under head coach Kellen Moore. Let that sink in. For Moore, establishing early control has clearly been a challenge, making this small victory feel much larger than just three points on the board. The last time the club managed such a feat was on December 8, 2024, when they narrowly defeated the Giants with a 14-11 final score. Meanwhile, the opposition wasn’t exactly sitting idly by. The Raiders made sure to answer, getting their dynamic tight end Brock Bowers involved immediately, with quarterback Kirk Cousins connecting with him three times for 37 yards, ultimately setting up their own field goal and keeping the pressure on. It shows that even a small lead doesn’t mean smooth sailing.
What This Small Victory Could Mean
So, what are we really looking at here? This isn’t just about a single touchdown or a fleeting lead that might evaporate. It’s about breaking a frustrating, long-standing pattern that has defined their starts for almost two full years. For the Saints, getting a lead and holding onto it for those critical first 15 minutes is more than just a scoreboard tally; it’s a crucial psychological win. It demonstrates that they *can* execute early, that they *can* convert in high-pressure third-down situations, and that they *can* set a different tone for the rest of the game. The challenge now isn’t just about celebrating this one moment, it’s about building on it. Can this squad consistently replicate this early-game drive and execution? Or will this simply be a rare anomaly in a season that still has a long way to go? Every fan will be watching closely to see if this is the start of a genuine shift in their early-game struggles.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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