Heroes, zeros and the full blitz from the Giants’ 34-27 loss to the Saints on Sunday:

Hero

Saints quarterback Tyler Shough — who was drafted 15 picks after Jaxson Dart in 2025 — threw for 144 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another landing. 

Zero

Anyone — coaches, offensive linemen and operating backs — with a hand in the operating recreation. Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary and Najee Harris mixed for 14 carries for 34 yards and a landing while Cam Skattebo was benched for ball safety and had zero touches. 

Unsung hero

Saints cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. had two interceptions — and almost a third, until replay assessment reversed the call — among his 4 passes defended. He also counted 1 ¹/₂ tackles for loss among his seven stops. 

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) throws a go during an NFL soccer recreation against the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Key stat

17 Straight offensive performs — and factors — over a four-minute span across the late first half and early second half for the Saints between true offensive performs for the Giants to flip a 10-0 deficit into a 17-10 lead. 

Quote of the day

“Way too hot, way too cold. We have to find out what’s lighting the match and what’s blowing the candle out.” 

— Giants security Jason Pinnock on the protection permitting 34 straight factors between shutting out the Saints for the first 28 minutes and the closing 11.