{"id":1400434,"date":"2025-09-22T13:02:47","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T12:02:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=nfl-news&p=1400434"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:46:55","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T14:46:55","slug":"game-recap-seattle-seahawks-44-13-new-orleans-saints-dominant-all-round-display-powers-seahawks-to-big-home-win-in-gameweek-3","status":"publish","type":"nfl-news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/nfl\/nfl-news\/game-recap-seattle-seahawks-44-13-new-orleans-saints-dominant-all-round-display-powers-seahawks-to-big-home-win-in-gameweek-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Game Recap: Seattle Seahawks 44-13 New Orleans Saints \u2013 Dominant all-round display powers Seahawks to big home win in Gameweek 3"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/h2>\n

The Seattle Seahawks put together a near-flawless performance to claim a resounding 44-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints at Lumen Field in Gameweek 3. In front of 68,599 fans, Seattle struck early and delivered in all three phases: Sam Darnold orchestrated four touchdowns, Kenneth Walker III and Jaxon Smith-Njigba starred, and the defence stifled the Saints until late. The Saints struggled to match the Seahawks’ intensity, leaving them winless on the season.<\/p>\n\n\n

Quarter by Quarter Breakdown<\/h2>\n

First Quarter<\/h3>\n

Seattle flew out of the blocks, putting up 21 unanswered points through clinical offensive execution and eye-catching special teams. Smith-Njigba’s 12-yard touchdown reception (from Darnold) opened the scoring. The Saints managed little in reply and were then stung when Tory Horton returned a punt 95 yards for a touchdown\u2014one of the season\u2019s highlight plays. On Seattle\u2019s next possession, a blocked punt set up Walker III\u2019s 3-yard rushing touchdown, reviewed and upheld. New Orleans generated a couple of first downs but ultimately failed to establish field position. At the end of the first: Seahawks 21-0 Saints.<\/p>\n\n

Second Quarter<\/h3>\n

The second was full of action. A long Saints drive ended in a field goal, but Seattle quickly answered: Smith-Njigba, Barner, and Horton all had big catches before Horton hauled in a 14-yard touchdown. The Saints managed another drive for three, but Seattle’s vertical passing game kept paying dividends; Darnold connected deep with Smith-Njigba for 45 yards, adding a roughing the passer penalty to reach the red zone, where Walker III powered in again. The Seahawks put up a further field goal thanks to Jason Myers’ 56-yarder. The first half closed with Seattle in full control, up 38-6.<\/p>\n\n

Third Quarter<\/h3>\n

The Saints defence made some adjustments to stem the bleeding, but Seattle\u2019s methodical drives added two more field goals (46 and 37 yards from Myers) to project their lead to 44 points. Though New Orleans found some rhythm late in the quarter, the Seattle front continually found ways to pressure Saints QB Spencer Rattler, resulting in negative plays and missed opportunities.<\/p>\n\n

Fourth Quarter<\/h3>\n

With the game well out of reach, Rattler picked up a late touchdown to tight end Jack Stoll, trimming the margin but doing little to alter the narrative. Seattle rotated starters, killing the clock and avoiding injuries.<\/p>\n\n

Key Player Observations<\/h2>\n

Sam Darnold (SEA):<\/strong> Played arguably his best game in a Seahawks shirt, throwing for multiple scores, including pinpoint passes to Smith-Njigba and Kupp (notably a deep 23-yarder in the third quarter).<\/p>\n

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA):<\/strong> Was a constant problem for New Orleans: 6 targets, multiple explosive plays, and two crucial touchdowns either side of half. Also drew passing interference and penalties to keep drives alive.<\/p>\n

Kenneth Walker III (SEA):<\/strong> The heartbeat of the run game, his 3 rushing touchdowns\u2014two in the first half\u2014set the tone. He broke tackles and converted short yardage in the red zone time and again.<\/p>\n

Tory Horton (SEA):<\/strong> Provided a huge spark with his punt return touchdown and also caught Darnold\u2019s second passing score\u2014proving a true X-factor.<\/p>\n

Spencer Rattler (NO):<\/strong> Flashes of accuracy (notably late) but under constant heat, he finished with only one passing TD (to Stoll) and one interception. Chris Olave was his most reliable outlet, but the Saints were too often behind the sticks.<\/p>\n\n

Turning Points\/Key Events<\/h2>\n