Players from the New Orleans Saints in action during their Week 5 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022.
To say that the final 30 seconds of the first half were disappointing for the New Orleans Saints would be an understatement considering how demoralizing the outcome of New Orleans’ 39-32 victory over Seattle on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome could have been.
On first-and-20 from the Seattle 49, quarterback Andy Dalton found running back Alvin Kamara for a short pass up the middle. Kamara gained 10 yards, giving the Saints at least an opportunity to put the ball in Wil Lutz’s from goal range and extend their lead to 17-13.
With 20 seconds left in the half, Kamara fumbled, but Seattle recovered at the 43 and returned it seven yards to midfield. Three plays later, the Seahawks popped the Saints for a 35-yard touchdown throw to go up 19-17.
The Seahawks also had the opportunity to capitalize on the momentum since they were scheduled to receive the kickoff for the second half. However, Pete Werner of the Saints happened.
In fact, Seattle took the kickoff in the second half and returned it 21 yards to its own 23-yard line. Additionally, the Seahawks’ first play was what appeared to be a very standard completion from quarterback Geno Smith to receiver D.K. Metcalf of 8 yards. Werner came in from the left side and unloaded on Metcalf as he was being held up by safety Justin Evans during the tackle.
Before Metcalf’s elbow touched the ground as a result of the hammering, the ball was knocked loose, and defensive tackle David Onyemata pounced on it at the 31. Werner earned his second forced fumble of the year after officials reviewed the decision and affirmed the call made on the field.
With six more plays, Dalton connected on a 16-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Chris Olave, giving the Saints a 24-19 lead with 12:03 remaining in the third quarter. After the grab, Olave departed the game due to a concussion.
Werner essentially helped New Orleans steal an extra offensive possession, and the Saints’ offense capitalized on the favor with the touchdown that ended Seattle’s momentum as the game entered the half.
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