The Los Angeles Chargers defense smothered the New Orleans Saints in a 26-8 victory on Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
It was the Saints' sixth consecutive loss after they started the season 2-0. It is the first time New Orleans has lost six consecutive games since the 2005 season. The Chargers improved to 4-3.
New Orleans just managed two Blake Grupe field goals (he missed a 44-yarder in the fourth quarter) and a safety as Coach Dennis Allen replaced Spencer Rattler with second-year quarterback Jake Haener in the second half in an attempt to get the offense going. Haener led a field-goal drive but couldn't rally the team for a victory.
Haener was nine of 17 for 122 yards while Rattler was 12 of 24 for 156 yards. It was the third consecutive game the Saints had to play without starting quarterback Derek Carr.
The Saints offense didn't score a touchdown despite the return of Taysom Hill, Chris Olave, Cesar Ruiz and Lucas Patrick. New Orleans' first points came on a safety caused by a bad exchange on a punt attempt by Los Angeles. Running back Alvin Kamara had a solid game with 10 carries for 67 yards and six catches for 55 yards. Olave had eight receptions for 107 yards but neither could get in the end zone.
The Saints defense played its best game in weeks, sacking Los Angeles quarterback Justin Herbert three times but got worn down in the end, giving up 10 points in the fourth quarter.
Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore and running back Kendre Miller left the game in the second half with hamstring injuries. Cornerback Rico Payton also left with a back injury in the second half. Receiver Bub Means left the game late.
The Saints will play at the Carolina Panthers (1-7) on Sunday, Nov. 3.
