The New Orleans Saints staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Tennessee Titans 34-26 on Sunday at Nissan Stadium, extending their winning streak to four games. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough outshone the Titans' top draft pick Cam Ward, leading New Orleans to a 6-10 record while dropping Tennessee to 3-13. Key defensive plays and a strong second-half rushing performance sealed the victory.
In a matchup featuring two highly touted rookie quarterbacks, the Saints' Tyler Shough, selected 40th overall, outperformed the Titans' No. 1 pick Cam Ward. Shough completed 22 of 27 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns, guiding New Orleans to an 80-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter that gave them a 27-26 lead. Running back Audric Estimé capped the drive with a 32-yard touchdown run, finishing with 14 carries for 94 yards in a career-high performance during the second half.
The game remained close after receiver Dante Pettis fumbled a 32-yard catch-and-run into the end zone for a touchback when the Saints trailed 26-20 with 11:06 remaining. Earlier, defensive end Chase Young kept New Orleans in contention with a first-half sack and 33-yard strip-sack touchdown return. In the fourth quarter, Young shared a sack with linebacker Demario Davis, and Cameron Jordan recorded his 131st career sack—stripping the ball from Ward on Tennessee's final play. This marked Jordan's seventh season with at least nine sacks, joining an elite group in NFL history.
Receiver Chris Olave contributed eight receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown, bringing him close to a historic Saints season with over 100 catches, 1,000 yards, and nine touchdowns. Tight end Juwan Johnson had four catches for 95 yards, a career high. Kicker Charlie Smyth booted career-best field goals of 56 and 57 yards but missed a 43-yarder in the first half.
The Saints played without running back Alvin Kamara, defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, and others due to inactives, while the Titans sat safety Jerrick Reed II and several linemen. New Orleans lost tight end Jack Stoll and defensive back Michael Davis to injuries in the first half. The Saints will conclude their season against Atlanta.