INGLEWOOD, Calif. (WLBT) – The New Orleans Saints were shut out 34-0 by the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday at SoFi Stadium, dropping New Orleans to 0-2 in the preseason.
Zach Wilson started at quarterback for New Orleans in the first half, and Spencer Rattler played the second half. The Rams’ defense forced three turnovers, including an interception returned for a touchdown. The Saints advanced inside the Rams’ 10-yard line on one second-half drive but did not score.
Wilson intercepted before halftime
Wilson finished 6-of-12 passing for 55 yards. On a third-and-long play, Rams cornerback Al’Zillion Hamilton intercepted his pass. Hamilton also had a pass breakup the previous week against Kansas City.
Rams outside linebacker Wesley Bailey recorded five tackles, one sack, three quarterback hits, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble in the game.
Los Angeles led 20-0 at halftime. Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett led a drive in the final two minutes of the half that set up a field goal before the break.
Rattler drive ends in pick-six
Rattler entered the game at quarterback to start the third quarter. He completed a 32-yard pass to running back CJ Donaldson that moved the Saints inside the Rams’ 10-yard line. The drive did not result in points.
Following a punt on the Saints’ next possession, Rams safety Alex Cook intercepted a Rattler pass at the goal line and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown, making the score 27-0.
Running back Kendre Miller carried the ball six times for 22 yards. Tight end Moliki Matavao caught three passes, including a 14-yard reception along the sideline.
A 39-yard field goal attempt late in the fourth quarter missed wide, and the Saints did not score in the game.
Bennett accounts for two touchdowns
Bennett finished 19-of-31 passing for 181 yards and rushed for two touchdowns. His first touchdown came on a 1-yard run; the play was initially ruled short of the goal line before a replay review overturned the call. His second touchdown came on an 8-yard run.
Rams quarterback Ty Simpson entered the game in the third quarter. Running back Jarquez Hunter scored on a 12-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to make the score 34-0.
The Rams’ defense has not allowed a touchdown through two preseason games.
Second straight second-half shutout
New Orleans lost its preseason opener to Jacksonville 24-20 after leading 20-6 at halftime. Combined across both games, the Saints have been outscored 27-6 in the third and fourth quarters.
Up next
The Saints play their final preseason game Aug. 28 at Dallas. New Orleans opens the regular season Sept. 13 at Detroit.
Want more WLBT news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Please click here to report it and include the headline of the story in your email.