By BtBoylan | SI
The New Orleans Saints (3-2) defeated the Los Angeles Chargers (1-4) overtime Monday night by the final score of 30-27. The Chargers drop their third consecutive game to an NFC SOUTH opponent after leading the Saints by 17 in the second quarter. The Saints win their second straight contest and head into a BYE week with the momentum of back to back victories.
Here are three takeaways from the Saints dramatic victory on Monday Night Football.
Mental Lapses are Still Hurting the Saints
Mental Lapses have continued to be the highlighted issue for the 2020 New Orleans Saints. New Orleans continues to find themselves in tight ball games down the stretch between the coverage lapses and penalties. Monday, the issue was not those moments happening consistently, but when those lapses occurred against the Chargers.
The Saints committed just 5 penalties (3 on Special Teams) on Monday Night and lead the NFL in penalties resulting in first downs during the 2020 season. Following a 2nd quarter three and out for the Chargers, New Orleans had their most damaging penalty of the evening. Punter Ty Long came out to punt to returner Marquez Callaway. Dwayne Washington appeared to have a clear path for a blocked punt, but could not "pump his breaks" before running into Long. The result was a 15-yard roughing the kicker penalty and kept the Chargers' drive alive. Four plays later, Los Angeles was in the end zone with a 13-3 lead.
Full Story - SI
