New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees and the Saints looked tremendous in the first half and then had to hang on to secure a 28-20 preseason game victory in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome Friday night. It was definitely a tale of two halves for the Black and Gold.
The Saints moved to 2-0 in the preseason, winning their second home game, and now take to the road traveling to Houston to battle the Texans. The Texans are also 2-0 after defeating the Miami Dolphins 24-17 on Saturday.
Brees clicked on 14-of-18 attempts for 202 yards. Brees connected on a 16-yard TD toss to rookie receiver Kenny Stills, who continues to impress. Brees, who appeared to be in mid-season form, looked comfortable behind the Saints' O-line and on the Stills' hook-up had 11 seconds to look down field as he went through his progressions as Stills beat former Saint Tracy Porter on the play. Porter and his Raiders' defensive teammates had a rough night and the former Super Bowl hero left the game with a groin injury after tackling Stills on the sideline. Stills caught four passes for 64 yards, while running back Darren Sproles led the way with five short receptions, totaling 35 yards. Brees also hooked up with Al Toon on a 56-yard strike.
Saints' backup quarterback Seneca Wallace struggled as the second-team offense sputtered. Wallace, making his first Saints' appearance, finished 3-for-6 for 32 yards with an interception, while Tulane's Ryan Griffin fighting for a roster spot along with Wallace and Luke McCown, clicked on 5-of-6 attempts for 69 yards.
Kyrie Robinson topped the Saints' ground game with 50 yards on 10 carries, averaging 5-yards per rush and he also caught two passes for 28 yards. Mark Ingram chipped in with 30 yards on nine rushes with a two-yard TD run.
Former LSU Tiger quarterback Matt Flynn had a tough night as the Saints' defense manhandled the Raiders' offensive line, registering five first half sacks on the Bayou Bengal. Despite the intense pressure, Flynn managed to hit on 12-of-16 passes for 124 yards with a touchdown.
Former Saint Osama Young, who is also in camp, saw action in the Raiders' secondary.
The Saints defense dominated play in the first half and finished the night with seven sacks totaling 42 yards in losses.
Linebacker Ramon Humber recorded six solo stops with three assists and a sack. Safety Kenny Vaccaro continued his strong preseason with sure-handed tackling, netting six solo stops.
The Saints were flagged for nine penalties totaling 85 yards, while the Raiders committed 12 infractions, penalized 127 yards.
Saints long-time public address announcer Jerry Romig called his final home game for the Black and Gold closing out his illustrious 44-year career. The Saints picked up 23 first downs in the Raiders' game so Romig was able to use his trademark call, "First Down, Saints" on numerous occasions to the delight of the faithful. fans. Jerry Romig is being replaced by his son, Mark, so the Romig tradition will continue.
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