NEW ORLEANS, LA — Spencer Rattler’s deep strike to Rashid Shaheed electrified the Superdome — and the second-year quarterback didn’t hesitate to join the celebration himself, sprinting downfield in jubilation after the 87-yard touchdown that helped power the New Orleans Saints to a much-needed 26-14 win over the New York Giants.
“That might’ve been my top speed all game,” Rattler joked afterward. “Plays like that change the vibe for the whole team — and the crowd. We want more of them.”
That game-changing play, coupled with an 86-yard fumble return touchdown by safety Jordan Howden, gave the Saints (1-4) their first win under rookie head coach Kellen Moore — snapping an eight-game losing streak dating back to last season.
Sunday’s win also marked New Orleans’ first since a December victory — coincidentally also against the Giants — and triggered the return of “Club Dub,” the Saints’ celebratory postgame party complete with music, fog machines, and LED lights.
“It’s been a long time since we had that going,” Howden said. “I almost forgot what it felt like.”
The victory was also special for Moore, who earned his first head coaching win less than a year after hoisting a Lombardi Trophy as Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator. That Super Bowl, like Sunday’s game, was played in the Superdome.
“This team is something else,” Moore said. “They’ve stuck together through a tough stretch, and their resiliency showed today.”
Rattler, in his 11th career start, played mistake-free football. He finished 18-of-27 for 225 yards, taking no sacks and avoiding turnovers. Shaheed led all receivers with 114 yards on four catches, including his game-breaking score in the second quarter.
“It feels amazing to finally get that win,” said Rattler. “Everyone did their job — O-line was phenomenal, defense was lights out.”
The Giants (1-4) couldn’t overcome a barrage of self-inflicted wounds. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who was coming off a victory in his first start, threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns, but also committed three turnovers — including two interceptions and a costly fumble that swung momentum completely in New Orleans’ favor.
“We moved the ball just fine,” Dart said. “We just made too many mistakes. We gave the game away.”
That critical fumble came early in the fourth quarter as Dart scrambled near the Saints’ red zone. Defensive tackle Bryan Bresee jarred the ball loose from running back Cam Skattebo, and Howden scooped it at the 14-yard line before racing untouched 86 yards the other way to put the Saints in control.
“It was one of those moments — see the ball, just take off,” said Howden. “I told myself, ‘Just run for your life.’”
Dart had started strong, connecting on his first five passes — including a short touchdown to tight end Theo Johnson. He followed that with a 15-yard scoring strike to Johnson again on the next drive, putting the Giants up 14-3 in the second quarter.
But the Saints answered in explosive fashion. Rattler connected deep with Shaheed, who sold a route across the field before breaking outside and beating safety Tyler Nubin for an 87-yard score — New Orleans’ longest play from scrimmage since 2016.
“I just tried to get him turned around,” Shaheed explained. “Once I saw his hips flip, I took off to the corner.”
It marked Shaheed’s sixth career touchdown of 53 or more yards, and his third of 68+ yards.
The Saints could’ve taken the lead late in the first half, but kicker Blake Grupe missed a 52-yard field goal attempt. However, linebacker Demario Davis forced a fumble by Giants receiver Darius Slayton on the ensuing possession, setting up a short field goal by Grupe to put New Orleans ahead 16-14 at the break — a lead they wouldn’t give up.
Kool-Aid McKinstry sealed the win with two fourth-quarter interceptions — the first two of his young career — as the Saints defense smothered any hopes of a Giants comeback.
Injury Report
Giants: Linebacker Swayze Bozeman exited in the first half with an ankle injury. Defensive back Dru Phillips also left with an ankle issue in the third quarter.
Saints: Safety Justin Reid left in the first quarter due to concussion symptoms. However, the team was buoyed by the season debuts of veterans Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau, both returning from major knee surgeries. Hill even stepped in at quarterback for a snap, completing a 19-yard pass.
What’s Next:
Giants: Host division rival Philadelphia on Thursday night.
Saints: Remain home to face the New England Patriots on Sunday.
