Saints can’t overcome Dalton’s 3 turnovers, 14-point halftime deficit in loss to Cardinals

GLENDALE, Ariz. (WAFB) - The New Orleans Saints (2-5) jumped out to a quick 14-6 lead over the Arizona Cardinals (3-4) in the second quarter but back-to-back pick-sixes from Andy Dalton put the Saints in a 14-point deficit at halftime.

The Saints fought back in the second half but ended up losing 42-34.

Dalton and the Saints got off to a fast start against the Cardinals, as Dalton connected with Rashid Shaheed for a 53-yard touchdown to make it 7-0. It was Shaheed’s second touchdown in as many weeks. The Weber State product scored on a 44-yard touchdown run in Week 6 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

In the second quarter, the Cardinals answered with a six-play, 43-yard drive that was capped off by a 50-yard field goal by Rodrigo Blankenship to make it 7-3. Dalton tried to add to the Saints’ lead but cost the team points by throwing an interception in the end zone to Antonio Hamilton, ending a 15-play, 65-yard drive.

Arizona only got three points off the turnover on a 28-yard field goal by Blakenship to make it 7-6.

New Orleans quickly found the end zone on its third drive of the game, going 75-yards in five plays, which was highlighted by a Kevin White 64-yard catch and run to set up a Taysom Hill three-yard touchdown reception to make it 14-6.

However, the Cardinals answered with a 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, as Keaontay Ingram scored from two yards out to make it 14-12. The Cards were successful on their two-point try to tie the game at 14 late in the second quarter.

Dalton then threw his second interception of the half, as he attempted to hook up with Marquez Callaway. Marco Wilson caught picked off the tipped pass and scored from 38 yards out to give Arizona its first lead of the game at 20-14.

The Saints looked to rebound after the pick-six but Dalton, instead, tossed his third interception of the half. Former Clemson star Isaiah Simmons scored on a 56-yard pick-six to make it 28-14 at the half.

The Saints’ defense forced a quick three-and-out to start the third quarter and then New Orleans add three points on a Wil Lutz 25-yard field goal to make it 28-17.

Arizona added to its lead on its third drive of the second half on a 12-play, 85-yard drive, as Kyler Murray connected with Greg Dortch from five yards out to extend the lead to 35-17 late in the third quarter.

New Orleans found the end zone for the first time in the second half on a 6-yard touchdown reception by Juwan Johnson to make it 35-24.

Arizona scored again on an Eno Benjamin five-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 42-24. New Orleans answered with a touchdown drive of its own, as Johnson caught his second touchdown of the game to make it 42-31 late in the fourth quarter.

The Saints return home to face the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Oct. 30.

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