Despite Tyler Shough’s explosive offensive display, New Orleans faltered as Las Vegas exploited a glaring defensive vulnerability, struggling to contain rookie tight end Brock Bowers in crucial mismatches.
The New Orleans Saints were picked on during Sunday's 35-27 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. More than one player contributed to the defeat.
The Saints, of course, did their part on offense. In particular, quarterback Tyler Shough's four touchdown passes kept New Orleans in the game. Unfortunately, Shough and company met their match in Las Vegas quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Raiders. The Raiders offense overwhelmed with a 13-0 fourth quarter to end the game.
Cousins may have facilitated the defeat, but it was Las Vegas tight end Brock Bowers who did much of the damage. One analyst discussed the Bowers effect.
Ezekiel Trezevant of Las Vegas Raiders on SI identified the reason why the Saints fell to the Raiders. It all came down to the utilization of Brock Bowers at tight end and mismatching him against the Saints pass defense.
"Kubiak's biggest decision of the day was to start Bowers. Las Vegas will face the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday. Kubiak's decision to start Bowers against the Saints helped the Raiders on Sunday, as Bowers nearly averaged 12 yards per catch.
Bowers' stat line alone made the decision to start him the right one. He was one of the biggest factors in the game. His stellar performance gives the Chiefs a little more to consider as they prepare for the game. Bowers looked unstoppable against the Saints.
Bowers also looked unstoppable in training camp against the Raiders' defense, which appears to be one of the league's best defenses early in the season. Once he stepped back onto the field, Bowers looked like his normal, healthy self.
Kubiak was wise to get Bowers back on the field against the Saints. No one would have blamed Kubiak for leaving Bowers out against the Saints, with the Chiefs matchup looming. Doing so would have benefited Las Vegas in several ways."
Sep 27, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) throws in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesIn fairness, the Saints are not going to face a tight end like Bowers every week. They will still need to find a way to stop the position in the passing game. The weakness exposed a rare flaw in an otherwise impenetrable defense.
The Saints are still in their battle for the NFC South, but the margin for error is slimming. The loss to the Raiders occurred in what some viewed as an early must-win game because of Las Vegas' poor season last year.
New Orleans will look to get back in the NFC South race with a win this weekend.
