Tag: Saints

What we learned from the Saints-Raiders game

Saints-Raiders reflection

By: Jake Rajala

The New Orleans Saints took on the Las Vegas Raiders at home. There were two sides to the story. Tyler Shough looked like Drew Brees and had his squad up 27-16 at one point. After that, chaos reigned. Their defense bled and allowed 35 points on the board. Furthermore, Tyler Shough looked like former Saints QB Ian Book and threw an interception, fumbled, and couldn’t “throw a pass” on 4th down.

So, the real question arises: how the bloody hell are the Raiders 3-0?

Klint Kubiak could be Kirk Cousins older brother, as he’s only a couple years older. Their best player is arguably a tight end, too! At least, the Raiders have a crazed fan base that resembled the New Orleans Saints fan-base. The Saints have Bourbon Street, while the Raiders have the Las Vegas Strip. Win or lose, each fan-base will still have a good time.

Maxx Crosby didn’t wreak havoc against the Saints in the game. He didn’t record any sacks. Sure, he had a fumble recovery that was a gift. Nonetheless, he never really shined. Raiders fans are more upset with Crosby than Rams fans are with Aaron Donald. Of course, I’m talking about Donald being MIA in his debut.

The Saints were not exactly inferior to the the Raiders with Drew Brees at the helm. He was 8-4 against the team was once in the “Black Hole”. Yes, I’m talking about the bizarre days where Al Davis drafted a kicker in the first round.

The Raiders and Saints have helped out one another in 2026.The Raiders sent Tyree Wilson is an edge rusher that was sent from the Raiders with a seventh round pick for a 2026 fifth round pick.

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What we learned from the Saints-Lions tilt

Saints-Lions reflection

By: Jake Rajala

The New Orleans Saints travelled from the Big Easy all the way to Detroit. Yes, I”m talking about a team in Detroit, that has never won a Super Bowl. I”m also talking about a Saints squad that once had a fan-base that put bags over their heads and called themselves, “Aints”.

So, the question is: What should we reflect on? Well, I have to get it out of the way. Chase Young had a strip sack for a touchdown, but it was called off, due to Jared Goff’s throwing motion. It was the strangest thing I have ever heard. We know the refs love to help out Patrick Mahomes or once Tom Brady, but this was on another level. As a Western Michigan Bronco fan, I am suffering. We know the Broncos gave up a hail mary touchdown, after the refs put one second back on the clock.

The biggest play-maker in the game had to be Chris Olave, even if he was on the losing side. The Lions made him look like Calvin Johnson. Olave recorded 182 yards and 10 catches. The Lions pass defense bled on 4th and long on numerous occasions. Aidan Hutchinson wasn’t able to bail them out enough. He wasn’t able to get a pick-six like an edge defender in Pittsburgh, known as T.J. Watt.

Tyler Shough may have thrown the most passing yards in Week 1. This doesn’t excuse him for silly throws. He had a few “Mark Sanchez” moments. He threw a pass to his offensive lineman. He also threw two interceptions where he threw it straight to the defenders.

The Saints and Lions could very well meet in the playoffs. If they do, it would be time to grab some popcorn. The Saints will be out for revenge if this scenario unfolds.

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Reflecting on the legend Jimmy Graham

The story of Jimmy Graham

By: Jake Rajala

Jimmy Graham is a man of many talents. He’s a former NFL stud, pilot, a former college basketball player, and “ginger”. Graham had three seasons of at least 10 touchdowns with the Saints. The tattoo extremist Jeremy Shockey didn’t eclipse 600 yards or four touchdowns in a single season in a Saints uniform.

Graham was sadly not a part of the Saints Super Bowl roster in 2009-2010. His “little” brother Darren Sproles was also not a member of the team.

The Saints made an unforgiveable trade when they sent Graham away for a center (Max Unger) and a first round pick. Graham was on pace to be an Hall of Famer, as his chemistry with Drew Brees was unmatched. Some may say it was more impressive than the chemistry between Gronk and Brady.

Graham may be 6’7 and able to dominate. Well, height isn’t everything. His QB (Drew Brees) is 6’0 and he just put on a gold jacket.

The Saints have been able to get a lot of time and energy from the great Alvin Kamara. Graham doesn’t have gold teeth, an obsession with airheads, and isn’t able to dunk the ball over the field goal post. However, they both are bound to be Saints Hall of Famers.

In the end, Graham played his last moments in a Saints uniform. It went full circle for Graham. Perhaps Gregg Williams will make a return to the Saints. All jokes aside, the dome was rocking when the Graham 2.0 caught passes.

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Will Tyler Shough blossom?

The outlook for Tyler Shough

By: Jake Rajala

Tyler Shough has taken a lot of heat for being a 26 year old rookie quarterback. I find it offensive that he is criticized for this because I’m 26. I also am not fond of this hate toward his age because I’m a die-hard Saints fan.

Shough has been working hard this offseason. Thankfully, he doesn’t quite golf as much as backup QB Spencer Rattler. He also doesn’t act crude toward his fellow quarterbacks and wide receivers, as Rattler once did in high school.

Of course, a lot of us grow as adults. I’m not speaking for Johnny Manziel, however.

Tyler had quite an impressive nine game showcase last season. He went 5-4 last season. In Drew Brees’s first full season, he didn’t have a winning record (8-8). Furthermore, he also unleashed 16 interceptions. Let’s not forget that Peyton Manning threw 28 interceptions in his rookie season. I’m not saying Tyler will get a gold jacket like Drew and Peyton, but he has certainly had an impressive start.

Shough may have a lot of potential, but he hasn’t been able to get in the spotlight. Shedeur Sanders was in the Pro Bowl and Jaxson Dart just introduced the President at a rally. It would still be an understatement to say that Dart will catch his fair share of hate for it. Let’s still not forget that Tom Brady is a friend of Trump and we have all seemed to forget it.

The Saints drafted wide receiver Jordyn Tyson in the Top-10 of the 2026 NFL Draft. He is from Arizona State. He has all the talent on the field and it doesn’t appear he has party issues off the field. Of course, there was a legendary tight end from ASU that could party and dominate on the field. Yes, I’m talking about Gronk. I hope the Saints don’t have to worry about that risk with Tyson.

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Saints vs Steelers in France

Saints vs Steelers outlook

By: Jake Rajala

The New Orleans Saints will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris, France. It is the first NFL game in Paris. France is known for cafes and art. French is also known as my easiest class in high school.

The Steelers beat the Saints in their last showdown. Andy Dalton was the Saints QB and Kenny Pickett was the Steelers QB. In other words, it a battle between a washed up QB (Dalton) and a rookie QB (Kenny Pickett). Dalton hasn’t had a winning record since 2015. Pickett isn’t throwing his helmet at Myles Garrett (like Mason Rudolph), but he has failed to thrive in each of his four NFL seasons.

Flash forward to 2026, there are a couple of intriguing QBs. The 26 year old Tyler Shough may be old for a second year QB. Well, the 42 year old Aaron Rodgers is quite old for a veteran QB! Paris is known for having lots of gypsies. Hence, Rodgers should fit right in.

There will still be a couple of Jags games in Europe. Just as we witness the Cowboys play too many Thanksgiving games, we watch the Jags play over seas.

We witness the NFL games try to expand in popularity across the globe. It’s similar to Formula 1 be more popular in the U.S. The only bloody difference is that F1 races are a thousand dollars to attend!

Paris is much more classy and intriguing for NFL players than the likes of Las Vegas or Mexico City in my opinion. The Eiffel tower is one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in the world.

There aren’t many prominent French NFL players. The ones that stand out tend to be undrafted free agents.

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