SEATTLE – Brian Johnson hit a 33-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining in his NFL debut, helping the New Orleans Saints beat the Seattle Seahawks 13-10 in Monday night’s game.
Alvin Kamara led the charge on the attacking side for the Saints, while Jameis Winston made a few key plays despite a mixed performance.
The Saints will eventually have managed to leave Seattle with the victory in large part due to mistakes made by the home side, and in particular starting quarterback Geno Smith, replacing Russell Wilson.
Two of the Seahawks ‘biggest blunders came on the Saints’ final streak. A first penalty was called against them for harshness against Winston, and a second, even more costly, allowed the visitors to continue their attack as they were about to attempt a long goal.
At the end of the streak, Johnson gave the Saints the lead in earnest.
Smith joined DK Metcalf for 84 yards for the touchdown in the first quarter, but the Seahawks’ offense failed to generate anything thereafter. Smith has wiped quarterback sacks in five straight games, courtesy of Malcolm Jenkins and Demario Davis.
On the 4th down and 28 yards left on the last play of the game, Smith’s attempted pass to Metcalf was incomplete. The Seahawks’ new starting quarterback completed just 12 passes for 167 yards on the air.
It was the Seahawks’ third straight loss, their first such streak since 2011. It was the first time since 1992 that Seattle started a season losing three games at home.
Kamara finished the game with 10 catches for 128 aerial gains, including a 13-yard touchdown. It was the fifth time in his career that he had captured at least ten balloons.
The No. 41 Saints also amassed 51 rushing yards.
For his part, Winston completed 19 of his 35 passes for gains of 222 yards. He also ran for 43 yards, in addition to making a few plays – in addition to penalties for the Seahawks – that put the table on the winning kick.
