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 touchdown. 

Zero

Anyone — coaches, offensive linemen and running backs — with a hand in the running game. Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary and Najee Harris combined for 14 carries for 34 yards and a touchdown while Cam Skattebo was benched for ball security and had zero touches. 

Unsung hero

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

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) throws a pass during an NFL football game 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 plays — and points — over a four-minute span across the late first half and early second half for the Saints between true offensive plays for the Giants to turn 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 safety Jason Pinnock on the defense allowing 34 straight points between shutting out the Saints for the first 28 minutes and the final 11.