Saints/Chargers

[stanhin]

The Chargers are putting it to the Saints--13-3 so far. . . . Brees just threw a pick, which is returned to the Saints one. The Chargers score again, making it 20-3. (Herbert has thrown three TD passes). . . .

The Saints have a first down at midfield with two minutes left in the first half. . . . Brees finally looks like his old self and throws the Saints to second down inside the one (five of six for 51 yards on this drive) with 19 seconds left in the half and no timeouts. Incomplete pass, then Brees sneaks it over. 20-10.

The Saints will get the ball to start the second half.

 

[stanhin]

The Saints add a field goal early in the second half. It is 20-13. The Chargers are really banged up on defense but have held Kamara in check so far, . . .End of the third.

 

[stanhin]

Brees throws a 41 yard TD pass to his tight end on third and long. It is a tie game with 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter.

 

[stanhin]

The Saints bust a coverage and Herbert throws a 64 yard TD pass on third and long. The Saints get the ball back with 3:40 to go. Kamara makes a great catch on the sideline over perfect coverage. Hill comes in for Brees and runs it in. It is a tie game with 52 seconds left. Chargers have all three time outs left. Draw play, and then they call their first time out. 41 seconds left. First down at Chargers. Another time out with 19 seconds left. Out of bounds just short of first down with 15 seconds left. Booth review to see whether he made a first down at Chargers 40. Third down and inches. Long pass to Williams at Saints 31 with 8 seconds left. No timeouts. Incomplete pass. A 50 yard field goal try to win the game. Saints time out to ice the kicker. Hits the right upright, no good. Going to overtime.

 

[stanhin]

The Saints get the ball first in overtime. Kamara returns the kickoff to the 34. Brees completes a pass to the sideline for 11. 4 yard run on first down. Brees completes an 11 yard pass to Cook at the Chargers 40. Then a short completion to Sanders at the Chargers 35. Another short completion and the receiver runs after the catch to the 22. Then another short completion. Hill comes in for Brees and makes short run. Third and six from the 18. Timeout. 5:18 left in overtime. Incomplete pass. The Saints will have to settle for a field goal. Good. The Chargers will get the ball with 5:08 left in overtime.

 

[stanhin]

Our own Malcom Brown roughs the passer (low hit) on the first play of the Chargers series. Third and seven and Herbert throws behind an open receiver. The fourth down pass is complete, but a great tackle leaves the receiver (big Mike Williams) just barely short. Saints win.

 

[Statalyzer]

That roughing call was so dumb. The whole rule is dumb. There was no malicious dive at the knees, he just slipped while getting around a blocker.

And the Chargers ... I will never understand how throws on 4th down are made short of the sticks with such regularity even at high levels of football.