The New Orleans Saints scored 17 points in the first half over the last four weeks. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, they scored 16 points.
Spencer Rattler and the Saints offense in total put on their best first half performance since Derek Carr exited the lineup. Rattler was making pinpoint passes between Buccaneers defenders. Juwan Johnson had a pair of nice catch-and-runs.
Most importantly, the Saints scored on every possession, including a Dante Pettis touchdown catch. It’s just three more points than last week’s first half, but there’s a level of consistency that resembles the second half versus Washington Commanders.
The key here, however, is continuing the progress in the second half. The Saints haven’t put together a complete game of offensive performance since defeating the Cleveland Browns. Rattler has spoken repeatedly about the need to show consistency in his game and follow up a strong first half with a solid second half.
New Orleans has failed to score double-digit points in both halves since their bye week. They’ve even been shut out in at least one half in each of the last three weeks.
If Rattler can sustain this performance, it’ll be the best game of his career and possibly his first victory.
