By Chase Brumfield
The New Orleans Saints did something Sunday they have been searching for since the departure of Drew Brees: they shocked the football world.
New Orleans rallied from a 14-3 deficit to defeat the Baltimore Ravens 24-17 at M&T Bank Stadium, earning its first win of the 2026 season. After a heartbreaking 31-30 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 1, the Saints had two choices: carry the disappointment into the next week or respond. They chose the latter.
And they responded with authority.
Saints Battle Back
The first half was largely a back-and-forth battle. Baltimore struck first when Derrick Henry found the end zone in the opening quarter. New Orleans answered with a 23-yard field goal from Daniel Carlson, keeping the Saints within striking distance.
The Ravens extended their advantage when Lamar Jackson connected with Rashod Bateman for a touchdown, but the Saints continued to fight. Carlson added a 47-yard field goal before halftime, cutting into Baltimore’s lead and giving New Orleans momentum heading into the locker room.
The second half belonged to the Saints.
New Orleans’ defense began creating opportunities while the offense steadily found its rhythm. Chase Young and Pete Werner made their presence felt against Jackson, with Young recording 1.5 sacks and Werner adding another.
On offense, quarterback Tyler Shough continued to show the poise that was evident during the Saints’ Week 1 performance. Shough completed 27 of 34 passes for 252 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 23 yards.
With the Saints trailing 17-3, Shough connected with Chris Olave for a 21-yard touchdown with 9:42 remaining. Travis Etienne Jr. followed with a successful two-point conversion, tying the game at 17.
Then came the defining moment.
With less than two minutes remaining, Juwan Johnson made a crucial 26-yard reception to move the Saints into scoring position. On fourth-and-goal from the Baltimore 1-yard line, Shough took matters into his own hands and scored the go-ahead touchdown with 1:28 remaining.
Baltimore had one final opportunity, but Julian Blackmon intercepted Jackson on the Ravens’ next possession to seal the Saints’ victory.
What This Means for Baltimore
For Baltimore, this is a disappointing loss, but it comes early in the season with plenty of football remaining.
The Ravens showed flashes of what they can be, particularly with Henry contributing early, but the offense struggled to maintain its momentum after halftime. Baltimore will need to find ways to consistently involve Henry while also creating opportunities for Jackson to establish a rhythm earlier in games.
The secondary will also have to clean up its communication and execution. Olave finished with eight receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown, while Juwan Johnson made several important plays to keep New Orleans’ offense moving.
The Ravens now turn their attention toward the Dallas Cowboys, looking to respond after dropping their first game of the season.
What This Means for New Orleans
For the Saints, this victory provides much more than a 1-1 record.
It shows the team’s ability to respond to adversity.
After falling behind 14-3, New Orleans never abandoned its game plan. Shough continued to operate the offense with confidence, while the defense consistently applied pressure to Jackson.
Olave remained a major factor in the passing game, and Carlson provided three important field goals from 23, 47 and 51 yards.
Perhaps most importantly, the Saints proved they can compete when facing one of the league’s most talented teams.
The Week 1 loss to Detroit showed the Saints could move the football, but the 24-17 victory in Baltimore showed they could finish.
New Orleans will now return home for its first home game of the season on Sunday, Sept. 27, when the Las Vegas Raiders and Kirk Cousins come to town.
For a Saints team looking to establish a new identity, Baltimore provided an early opportunity to make a statement.
They took it.