On Sunday at Orchard Park, the Buffalo Bills were routed by the New Orleans Saints. What did we learn from this interconference clash?
Following yet another 0-2 start, the New Orleans Saints appeared as if they were preparing for another 7-9 season. That’s how Sean Payton’s team has finished each of the past three years and four of the last five NFL campaigns. And keep in mind that the Saints allowed a combined 65 points in losses to the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots.
Then came the turnaround to the tune of six straight wins, a streak they took into Buffalo on Sunday to face the improved 5-3 Bills. Unfortunately, this did not look like a team with a winning record when last we saw Sean McDermott’s squad on a Thursday night against the New York Jets.
But today was a chance for redemption. Did the Bills bounce back with a strong effort against Drew Brees and company? McDermott’s club never seemed to know what the hit them as New Orleans rolled to a 47-10 victory.
Shadddyyyyyyy! #NOvsBUF https://t.co/E5ydEYtSM0
— NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2017
Our guy @MarkIngram22 out here lookin' like a straight monster this afternoon!#SaintsGameday | #NOvsBUF https://t.co/Lfr3N9hB9C
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 12, 2017
😤 @MarkIngram22 really out here bulldozing the competition.#SaintsGameday | #NOvsBUF https://t.co/ECL9HKtV1e
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 12, 2017
Get the pick.
— NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2017
ALMOST score...
Time for @saints group pic! 📸 #GoSaints https://t.co/1jGjlQew7b
It's a @MarkIngram22 kind of day in Buffalo.
— NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2017
His THIRD TD of the day. #GoSaints https://t.co/m2DQYxDn3r
Yeah, our QB's got wheels too 🏎💨#SaintsGameday | #NOvsBUF https://t.co/mLYZJFBNSJ
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 12, 2017
Three Stars
1. Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara
It was a big afternoon for the Saints’ 1-2 punch in the backfield. Ingram carried 21 times for 131 yards and three touchdowns while his rookie counterpart totaled 106 yards and a score on a dozen attempts. Sean Payton’s team rushed for 298 yards in the convincing victory.
2. Michael Thomas
The second-year wide receiver was targeted 10 times on the afternoon and hauled in nine passes for 117 yards as the Saints rolled to a seventh consecutive win.
3. Sheldon Rankins
It was a day for the defense in Buffalo once again and the second-year defensive tackle had a nice afternoon. Rankins finished with two tackles, one sack and an interception in the rout of the Bills.
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Odds
The Saints were a slight favorite to extend their winning streak on Sunday at Orchard Park. But the Bills were perfect at home this season (4-0) entering this interconference clash with New Orleans.
Next Week
The Saints are back in the Crescent City and play host to the Washington Redskins. Meanwhile, the Bills head to the west coast to face veteran quarterback Philip Rivers and the the Los Angeles Chargers.