The regular season closed with a statement win.
In Week 17, the New Orleans Saints delivered one of their most complete performances of the year, overpowering the Jacksonville Jaguars 41–17 behind a relentless rushing attack and a turnover-driven defensive effort.
Game Script Established Early
From the opening series, the Saints made their intentions clear: control the line of scrimmage, protect the football, and force Jacksonville into mistakes.
- 419 total yards to Jacksonville’s 214
- 235 rushing yards
- 4 rushing touchdowns
- Won the turnover battle 4–0
The result was a game that never truly felt in doubt.
Ground Game Sets the Tone
The Saints’ rushing attack dictated pace and field position throughout the afternoon.
D’Andre Reid anchored the effort:
- 27 carries
- 110 yards
- 3 rushing touchdowns
- Consistently punished light boxes and closed drives with authority
Support came from multiple contributors, keeping the Jaguars’ front off balance and preventing any sustained defensive adjustments.
Efficient, Low-Risk Passing
While the stat line leaned run-heavy, the passing game did exactly what was required.
John Mateer:
- 13-of-17 passing (76.5%)
- 184 yards
- Zero turnovers
The approach was calculated—high-percentage throws, clean reads, and no unnecessary risks—allowing the run game and defense to control the contest.
Defense Forces the Issue
This was one of the Saints’ strongest defensive performances of the season.
- 4 interceptions
- 3 sacks
- Limited Jacksonville to 124 passing yards
- Forced repeated short fields
The Jaguars never recovered from early mistakes, and every attempt to generate momentum was cut off by disciplined coverage and timely pressure.
Red-Zone Execution Seals It
New Orleans capitalized when opportunities arose:
- 85.7% red-zone conversion rate
- Touchdowns on three of seven trips
- Blake Grupe a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals
That efficiency steadily widened the gap and removed any path back into the game for Jacksonville.
Final Takeaway
This was a controlled, professional finish to the regular season.
The Saints didn’t rely on explosive passing numbers or dramatic swings—just ball security, physical running, and defensive opportunism. It was a reminder of what this roster looks like when it plays to its strengths.
Week 17 wasn’t about style points.
It was about closing the year the right way—and New Orleans did exactly that.
