New Orleans Saints vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats
The new orleans saints vs los angeles rams match player stats from August 23, 2026, tell the story of a one-sided NFL preseason contest in which the Los Angeles Rams defeated the New Orleans Saints 34-0. The Rams controlled the game through efficient rushing, disciplined quarterback play, defensive pressure, and two interception returns that completely changed the scoreboard. The Saints struggled to create scoring opportunities, finishing without a touchdown or field goal while committing two interceptions and losing a fumble.
Although preseason results do not determine regular-season success, this matchup provided useful information about player performances, offensive execution, defensive depth, and competition for roster positions. Stetson Bennett IV and Ty Simpson handled the quarterback responsibilities for Los Angeles, while Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson shared passing duties for New Orleans. Running back Jarquez Hunter led the Rams on the ground, and the defense produced a shutout that highlighted the difference between the two teams.
This detailed breakdown examines the final score, individual player statistics, quarterback performances, rushing production, receiving contributions, defensive numbers, turnovers, special teams, and the most important lessons from the game.
New Orleans Saints vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The August 23 meeting took place during the 2026 NFL preseason. Los Angeles hosted New Orleans and delivered a 34-point performance without allowing the Saints to score.
FINAL SCORE
TCC volleyball advances to Sweet 16; Price qualifies for state meet
New Orleans Saints
0
Away team · 0-2
VS
Download Logo Los Angeles Rams Sports 4k Ultra HD Wallpaper | 6000×3390 | Wallpaper Abyss
Los Angeles Rams
34
Home team · 2-0
Game date
August 23, 2026
Competition
NFL Preseason
Game status
Final
Game ID
401873290
The final score reflected Los Angeles’ advantage in several important areas. The Rams gained more total yards, protected the football, ran effectively, and converted defensive opportunities into points.
Quarter-by-Quarter Score
| Quarter | Saints | Rams |
| First quarter | 0 | 3 |
| Second quarter | 0 | 17 |
| Third quarter | 0 | 7 |
| Fourth quarter | 0 | 7 |
| Final | 0 | 34 |
The opening quarter was relatively controlled, with Los Angeles taking a 3-0 lead. The game changed significantly in the second quarter when the Rams added 17 points.
Their advantage continued after halftime. Another seven points in each of the final two quarters completed the shutout.
The Saints never found an answer to the Rams’ defensive performance.
Complete Team Statistics Comparison
Team statistics provide a clearer picture of how the game developed. The Rams were more productive offensively and considerably more effective at protecting possession.
| Statistical Category | Saints | Rams |
| Total yards | 293 | 405 |
| Passing yards | 188 | 254 |
| Rushing yards | 105 | 151 |
| Passing completions | 20 | 27 |
| Passing attempts | 35 | 43 |
| Completion percentage | 57.1% | 62.8% |
| Rushing attempts | 26 | 30 |
| Average yards per rush | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Total receptions | 20 | 27 |
| Interceptions thrown | 2 | 0 |
| Fumbles lost | 1 | 0 |
| Offensive touchdowns | 0 | 3 rushing |
| Defensive touchdowns | 0 | 1 |
| Field goals made | 0 | 2 |
| Extra points made | 0 | 4 |
One of the most important differences was total offensive production. Los Angeles recorded 405 yards compared with New Orleans’ 293, creating a 112-yard advantage.
The Rams also produced more through both passing and rushing. This balance made it harder for the Saints to focus on stopping one particular part of the offense.
Another major difference was ball security. New Orleans committed two interceptions and lost one fumble. Los Angeles did not throw an interception or lose a fumble.
These mistakes gave the Rams additional opportunities and contributed to the difference in the final result.
Saints Quarterback Statistics
New Orleans used Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson during the contest. Both quarterbacks contributed passing yards, but neither produced a touchdown, and each threw an interception.
Spencer Rattler’s Performance
Spencer Rattler started the statistical breakdown as the more productive Saints passer.
| Statistic | Performance |
| Completions | 14 |
| Attempts | 23 |
| Completion percentage | 60.9% |
| Passing yards | 141 |
| Yards per attempt | 6.1 |
| Passing touchdowns | 0 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Sacks | 0 |
| Passer rating | 60.2 |
| Rushing attempts | 5 |
| Rushing yards | 21 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 0 |
Rattler completed 14 of his 23 attempts for 141 yards. His average of 6.1 yards per attempt showed that he generated some forward progress through the passing game.
However, the absence of a passing touchdown limited the overall value of his production.
His interception was another important issue. Against a defense that eventually recorded two interceptions, mistakes became especially costly.
Rattler also contributed 21 rushing yards on five attempts. His mobility provided an additional option when passing opportunities were limited.
What his numbers indicate: Rattler showed some ability to move the offense, but the passing production did not translate into points. His decision-making and ability to protect the football remained important areas to examine.
Zach Wilson’s Performance
Zach Wilson also received an opportunity to operate the Saints offense.
| Statistic | Performance |
| Completions | 6 |
| Attempts | 12 |
| Completion percentage | 50.0% |
| Passing yards | 55 |
| Yards per attempt | 4.6 |
| Passing touchdowns | 0 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Sack yards lost | 8 |
| Passer rating | 28.1 |
| Rushing attempts | 4 |
| Rushing yards | 19 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 0 |
Wilson completed six passes for 55 yards. His completion percentage was 50%, and he averaged 4.6 yards per passing attempt.
The interception was a significant negative, particularly because the Saints were already struggling to establish offensive momentum.
He also took one sack for eight yards.
Wilson added 19 rushing yards on four attempts, demonstrating some mobility outside the pocket. However, his overall passing performance did not provide the offensive improvement New Orleans needed.
Combined Saints Passing Numbers
The combined quarterback statistics show the broader problem.
| Category | Combined Result |
| Completions | 20 |
| Attempts | 35 |
| Passing yards | 188 |
| Average | 5.6 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Sack yards | 8 |
| Passer rating | 49.2 |
The Saints completed 57.1% of their passes and produced 188 passing yards.
Their biggest weakness was not simply the lack of passing touchdowns. It was the combination of interceptions, limited scoring opportunities, and an inability to turn offensive possessions into points.
Rams Quarterback Statistics
The Los Angeles Rams used Stetson Bennett IV and Ty Simpson at quarterback.
Neither player threw a touchdown, but both avoided interceptions. Their combined passing production helped the Rams control possession and establish offensive balance.
Stetson Bennett IV’s Performance
Stetson Bennett IV led the Rams in passing attempts and completions.
| Statistic | Performance |
| Completions | 19 |
| Attempts | 31 |
| Completion percentage | 61.3% |
| Passing yards | 181 |
| Yards per attempt | 5.8 |
| Passing touchdowns | 0 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Sacks | 0 |
| Passer rating | 77.5 |
| Rushing attempts | 2 |
| Rushing yards | 9 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 2 |
Bennett completed 19 of 31 passes for 181 yards.
His passing numbers were steady rather than explosive. He did not record a passing touchdown, but avoiding turnovers helped Los Angeles maintain control.
His rushing statistics were particularly interesting.
Bennett recorded two rushing attempts for nine yards and scored twice on the ground. These touchdowns contributed directly to the Rams’ offensive scoring.
His performance demonstrated how a quarterback can influence a game beyond traditional passing statistics.
Ty Simpson’s Performance
Ty Simpson also produced an efficient statistical performance.
| Statistic | Performance |
| Completions | 8 |
| Attempts | 12 |
| Completion percentage | 66.7% |
| Passing yards | 73 |
| Yards per attempt | 6.1 |
| Passing touchdowns | 0 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Sacks | 0 |
| Passer rating | 83.0 |
| Rushing attempts | 3 |
| Rushing yards | 10 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 0 |
Simpson completed eight of 12 attempts for 73 yards.
His completion percentage of 66.7% was higher than Bennett’s, and he averaged 6.1 yards per attempt.
He also avoided interceptions and sacks.
His rushing contribution added another 10 yards on three attempts.
These numbers indicate that Simpson handled his opportunities efficiently, although the available statistics alone cannot establish how either quarterback performed on every individual play.
Combined Rams Passing Numbers
| Category | Combined Result |
| Completions | 27 |
| Attempts | 43 |
| Passing yards | 254 |
| Average | 5.9 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Sacks | 0 |
| Passer rating | 79.0 |
The Rams finished with 254 passing yards and no interceptions.
Their combined completion percentage was approximately 62.8%.
The absence of turnovers was especially valuable because New Orleans struggled to generate offensive points.
Rushing Statistics: Which Players Controlled the Ground Game?
The rushing comparison was one of the clearest indicators of Los Angeles’ offensive advantage.
The Rams produced 151 rushing yards on 30 carries, averaging five yards per attempt. New Orleans finished with 105 yards on 26 carries, averaging four yards per attempt.
The difference was not just the additional yardage. Los Angeles also converted rushing opportunities into touchdowns.
New Orleans Saints Rushing Leaders
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD |
| Kendre Miller | 6 | 22 | 3.7 | 0 |
| Spencer Rattler | 5 | 21 | 4.2 | 0 |
| Ty Chandler | 6 | 21 | 3.5 | 0 |
| Zach Wilson | 4 | 19 | 4.8 | 0 |
| CJ Donaldson | 3 | 15 | 5.0 | 0 |
| Devin Neal | 2 | 7 | 3.5 | 0 |
| Team total | 26 | 105 | 4.0 | 0 |
Kendre Miller led the Saints in rushing yardage with 22 yards on six carries.
He averaged 3.7 yards per attempt but did not score.
Rattler added 21 yards, while Ty Chandler also finished with 21 rushing yards.
CJ Donaldson averaged five yards per carry, the highest average among the listed Saints players with multiple rushing attempts.
However, no Saints runner managed to reach the end zone.
The team had enough rushing production to gain some ground, but it could not turn that production into scoring opportunities.
Los Angeles Rams Rushing Leaders
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD |
| Jarquez Hunter | 12 | 68 | 5.7 | 1 |
| Jordan Waters | 10 | 54 | 5.4 | 0 |
| Ty Simpson | 3 | 10 | 3.3 | 0 |
| Stetson Bennett IV | 2 | 9 | 4.5 | 2 |
| Brennan Presley | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 0 |
| Dean Connors | 2 | 5 | 2.5 | 0 |
| Team total | 30 | 151 | 5.0 | 3 |
Jarquez Hunter was the leading traditional rushing contributor for Los Angeles.
He carried the football 12 times for 68 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per attempt. He also scored one rushing touchdown.
Jordan Waters added 54 yards on 10 carries.
His 5.4-yard average gave the Rams another productive option in the running game.
Stetson Bennett IV recorded two rushing touchdowns, making his contribution particularly important to the final score.
Why the Rushing Difference Mattered
The Rams gained 46 more rushing yards than New Orleans.
That advantage helped Los Angeles in three ways:
- It gave the offense a reliable way to gain yards without depending entirely on passing.
- It allowed the Rams to produce three rushing touchdowns.
- It reduced the need to take unnecessary passing risks.
The Saints, by comparison, had several players contributing modest rushing totals but lacked a consistent scoring threat.
Receiving Statistics: Top Pass Catchers From Both Teams
Receiving production offers another useful way to understand the offensive performance.
The Rams recorded 27 receptions for 254 yards, while the Saints completed 20 receptions for 196 yards.
Neither team recorded an individual receiving touchdown in the supplied box score.
Saints Receiving Leaders
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | Longest |
| CJ Donaldson | 4 | 51 | 12.8 | 32 |
| Jalen Moreno-Cropper | 2 | 34 | 17.0 | Not specified |
| Moliki Matavao | 3 | 34 | 11.3 | Not specified |
| Bryce Lance | 2 | 16 | 8.0 | Not specified |
| Treyton Welch | 2 | 11 | 5.5 | Not specified |
| Ty Chandler | 1 | 10 | 10.0 | Not specified |
| Kevin Austin Jr. | 1 | 10 | 10.0 | Not specified |
| Ronnie Bell | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | Not specified |
| Cody Hardy | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | Not specified |
| Zaire Mitchell-Paden | 1 | 6 | 6.0 | Not specified |
| Bub Means | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | Not specified |
| Brock Rechsteiner | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | Not specified |
CJ Donaldson led the Saints in receiving with four catches for 51 yards.
His longest reception covered 32 yards, making him the team’s most productive receiver by yardage.
Jalen Moreno-Cropper averaged 17 yards per reception on two catches for 34 yards. That was the highest receiving average among the listed Saints players.
Moliki Matavao also contributed 34 yards, recording three receptions.
The Saints had several players involved in the passing game, but the production did not result in a touchdown.
This highlights an important distinction between gaining receiving yards and creating scoring opportunities. A team can distribute the football among several players without developing enough offensive consistency to finish drives.
Rams Receiving Leaders
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | Longest |
| CJ Daniels | 8 | 68 | 8.5 | Not specified |
| Alex Bachman | 4 | 48 | 12.0 | Not specified |
| Tyler Scott | 2 | 36 | 18.0 | Not specified |
| Brennan Presley | 4 | 35 | 8.8 | Not specified |
| Tru Edwards | 3 | 27 | 9.0 | Not specified |
| Dan Villari | 1 | 24 | 24.0 | 24 |
| Max Klare | 4 | 12 | 3.0 | Not specified |
| Jordan Waters | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | Not specified |
CJ Daniels led the Rams in receptions and receiving yards.
His eight catches for 68 yards provided a reliable target throughout the passing game.
Alex Bachman finished with four receptions for 48 yards, averaging 12 yards per catch.
Tyler Scott produced 36 yards on two receptions, averaging 18 yards per catch.
Dan Villari recorded one reception for 24 yards, matching the team’s longest individual receiving gain.
Receiving Comparison
| Category | Saints | Rams |
| Receptions | 20 | 27 |
| Receiving yards | 196 | 254 |
| Average per reception | 9.8 | 9.4 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 0 | 0 |
| Longest reception | 32 | 24 |
An interesting detail is that the Saints had a slightly higher average per reception.
However, the Rams produced 58 more receiving yards and seven additional receptions.
This suggests that Los Angeles generated more consistent overall passing volume, even though New Orleans had the longer individual reception.
Defensive Player Statistics and Standout Performances
The defensive statistics help explain why the final score was so decisive.
Los Angeles recorded two interceptions, eight passes defended, five quarterback hits, and one sack. The Rams also returned an interception for a touchdown.
New Orleans recorded more total tackles, but it did not generate a sack, tackle for loss, or interception.
Saints Defensive Statistics
| Player | Total Tackles | Solo Tackles | Additional Contribution |
| Jackson Sirmon | 11 | 5 | Team-leading tackler |
| Mike Reid | 8 | 4 | Not specified |
| Lorenzo Styles Jr. | 6 | 4 | 1 pass defended |
| TJ Hall Jr. | 6 | 4 | 1 pass defended |
Jackson Sirmon led New Orleans with 11 total tackles and five solo tackles.
His tackle production indicates that he was frequently involved in defensive plays.
Mike Reid followed with eight total tackles.
Lorenzo Styles Jr. and TJ Hall Jr. each recorded six tackles and one pass defended.
Saints Team Defense
| Defensive Category | Total |
| Total tackles | 76 |
| Solo tackles | 38 |
| Sacks | 0 |
| Tackles for loss | 0 |
| Passes defended | 3 |
| Quarterback hits | 0 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
The Saints’ defensive performance included a substantial number of tackles, but the unit struggled to disrupt the Rams’ offensive rhythm.
The absence of sacks and quarterback hits is particularly notable.
Without consistent pressure, the Rams were able to operate their passing offense without recording a sack.
Rams Defensive Statistics
| Player | Total Tackles | Solo Tackles | Additional Contribution |
| Al’zillion Hamilton | 6 | 4 | 1 interception |
| Monty Rice | 6 | 3 | 1 pass defended |
| Cam Lampkin | 6 | 2 | 2 passes defended |
| Wesley Bailey | 5 | 2 | 1 sack, 1 TFL, 4 QB hits |
Al’zillion Hamilton led the Rams’ listed defenders with six tackles and recorded an interception.
Monty Rice also contributed six tackles and one pass defended.
Cam Lampkin recorded six tackles and two passes defended.
Wesley Bailey made a notable impact by recording one sack, one tackle for loss, and four quarterback hits.
His pressure statistics show how the Rams defense disrupted New Orleans’ offensive operation.
Rams Team Defense
| Defensive Category | Total |
| Total tackles | 72 |
| Solo tackles | 32 |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Tackles for loss | 1 |
| Passes defended | 8 |
| Quarterback hits | 5 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Interception return yards | 103 |
| Defensive touchdowns | 1 |
The Rams’ defense created more disruptive plays than the Saints.
Although New Orleans recorded four more total tackles, Los Angeles produced more passes defended, quarterback hits, sacks, and interceptions.
This difference illustrates why tackle totals should never be used as the only measure of defensive performance.
A defense can record many tackles because opponents are completing plays and advancing the ball. More important indicators include stopping drives, creating turnovers, and limiting scoring opportunities.
Interceptions and Turnovers: The Biggest Difference in the Game
Turnovers were among the most important elements of this matchup.
The Saints threw two interceptions and lost one fumble. The Rams did not throw an interception or lose a fumble.
Rams Interception Leaders
| Player | Interceptions | Return Yards | Touchdowns |
| Alex Cook | 1 | 100 | 1 |
| Al’zillion Hamilton | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Total | 2 | 103 | 1 |
Alex Cook produced the most significant defensive play of the game.
He recorded an interception and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown.
This defensive score contributed directly to the Rams’ 34-point total.
Al’zillion Hamilton added another interception with a three-yard return.
Together, the Rams defense produced two interceptions and 103 return yards.
Saints Turnover Problems
New Orleans recorded the following turnovers:
- Spencer Rattler threw one interception.
- Zach Wilson threw one interception.
- Ty Chandler lost one fumble.
- CJ Donaldson recorded one fumble but did not lose possession.
The Saints finished with three total turnover events in the supplied player statistics, including two interceptions and one lost fumble.
These mistakes limited their opportunities to build offensive momentum.
The Rams, meanwhile, maintained possession without committing a turnover.
Why the Turnover Margin Was So Important
Turnovers have two major effects in football.
First, they end an offensive possession without allowing the team to complete its intended drive.
Second, they can give the opposing offense a better starting field position or, in the case of an interception return touchdown, produce immediate points.
Alex Cook’s 100-yard return was particularly significant because it turned a defensive play into a scoring opportunity without requiring the Rams offense to advance the football.
For New Orleans, protecting the ball was one of the clearest areas requiring improvement.
Special Teams Statistics
Special teams also contributed to the final result.
The Rams were successful on their field-goal attempts and extra points, while the Saints failed to convert their only field-goal attempt.
Kicking Comparison
| Player | Team | Field Goals | Extra Points | Total Points |
| Tanner Brown | Saints | 0/1 | 0 | 0 |
| Harrison Mevis | Rams | 2/2 | 4/4 | 10 |
Harrison Mevis converted both field-goal attempts.
His longest successful field goal was 26 yards.
He also made all four extra-point attempts and finished with 10 points.
Tanner Brown went 0-for-1 on field goals and did not record an extra point.
The Rams’ kicking performance added important points to an already productive team performance.
Punting Statistics
| Player | Team | Punts | Yards | Average | Longest |
| Ryan Wright | Saints | 4 | 180 | 45.0 | 58 |
| Ethan Evans | Rams | 2 | 97 | 48.5 | 54 |
Ryan Wright averaged 45 yards per punt across four attempts.
Ethan Evans averaged 48.5 yards across two punts.
Both players recorded one punt inside the 20-yard line.
The Rams’ lower number of punts also reflected their ability to sustain more productive offensive possessions.
Kick Returns
| Team | Returns | Yards | Average | Longest |
| Saints | 4 | 91 | 22.8 | 29 |
| Rams | 1 | 25 | 25.0 | 25 |
The Saints had more kick-return opportunities.
Kendre Miller recorded a 29-yard return, while Ty Chandler added a 26-yard return.
Trey Palmer recorded two returns for 36 yards.
Dean Connors handled the Rams’ only listed kick return, gaining 25 yards.
Punt Returns
| Team | Returns | Yards | Average |
| Saints | 1 | 22 | 22.0 |
| Rams | 2 | 15 | 7.5 |
Trey Palmer produced a 22-yard punt return for New Orleans.
Brennan Presley and Alex Bachman combined for 15 punt-return yards for Los Angeles.
The Saints had the more productive punt return in this statistical comparison, but special teams did not change the overall outcome.
How the Rams Built Their 34-Point Victory
The final score was not the result of one isolated performance. It developed through several different aspects of the game.
1. The Rams Established an Early Lead
Los Angeles opened the scoring with three points in the first quarter.
A field goal gave the Rams an early advantage and put pressure on the Saints to respond.
2. The Second Quarter Changed the Game
The Rams scored 17 points in the second quarter.
This was the most productive period of the contest and created a significant gap between the teams.
The Saints were unable to score during the same period.
3. The Ground Game Produced Touchdowns
Los Angeles gained 151 rushing yards.
Jarquez Hunter contributed 68 yards and one touchdown, while Stetson Bennett IV added two rushing touchdowns.
The Rams did not need a passing touchdown to generate offensive scoring.
4. The Defense Created Turnovers
The Rams intercepted two passes.
Alex Cook’s 100-yard interception return produced a defensive touchdown, making the defensive unit an important source of points.
5. The Saints Could Not Recover
New Orleans finished without a point.
The offense gained 293 total yards, but those yards did not translate into scoring.
The two interceptions and lost fumble made an already difficult situation worse.
Five Major Takeaways From the Match
The statistical results provide several useful lessons for evaluating both teams.
1. Ball Security Was a Major Problem for New Orleans
The Saints committed two interceptions and lost one fumble.
These mistakes prevented the offense from maintaining consistent possession.
Even when the offense generated some yardage, turnovers limited its ability to complete drives.
2. Jarquez Hunter Delivered the Leading Rushing Performance
Hunter recorded 68 yards on 12 carries.
His 5.7-yard average and one rushing touchdown made him the leading Rams running back in the supplied statistics.
His production helped Los Angeles establish a balanced offense.
3. Stetson Bennett Contributed Beyond Passing
Bennett threw for 181 yards and avoided interceptions.
He also scored twice on the ground.
His two rushing touchdowns demonstrate why quarterback evaluations should include both passing and rushing production.
4. Alex Cook Produced the Most Impactful Defensive Play
Cook’s 100-yard interception return for a touchdown was a defining moment.
It gave the Rams points directly from their defensive unit and increased the difficulty of New Orleans’ comeback attempt.
5. The Rams Demonstrated Better Overall Balance
Los Angeles recorded more passing yards and rushing yards.
The team also avoided turnovers and created more defensive disruption.
That combination was reflected in the 34-0 result.
What This Game Revealed About Both Teams
Preseason games provide a different type of information from regular-season contests.
Coaches use these matchups to evaluate players, test different combinations, and identify areas that need attention before competitive games begin.
The statistical performance of both teams offers several areas worth examining.
What the Saints Can Learn
New Orleans gained 293 total yards, which means the offense was not completely unable to move the football.
However, production between the 20-yard lines and actual scoring success are two different things.
The Saints need to improve several areas:
- Quarterback decision-making and interception prevention.
- Consistency in passing situations.
- Ball security from running backs and receivers.
- Red-zone execution.
- Defensive pressure against opposing quarterbacks.
The performances of Rattler and Wilson also provide separate statistical profiles for evaluation.
Rattler produced more passing yards, while Wilson added mobility but struggled with passing efficiency.
Neither quarterback recorded a touchdown.
The available numbers do not establish which player had better performance on every individual play, but they clearly show that the Saints needed more effective quarterback production.
What the Rams Can Take From the Win
Los Angeles had several encouraging statistical results.
Its offensive production came from both the passing and rushing games.
Hunter and Waters provided rushing contributions, while Bennett added quarterback rushing touchdowns.
The defense was also productive, recording two interceptions and a defensive touchdown.
Areas worth examining include:
- Maintaining rushing efficiency.
- Continuing to protect the football.
- Improving passing-game scoring production.
- Evaluating defensive depth.
- Maintaining discipline across different player combinations.
One important qualification is that preseason statistics should not automatically be treated as a prediction of regular-season performance.
Player rotations, opponent personnel, and coaching decisions can all influence preseason numbers.
Statistical Leaders From the Saints vs Rams Game
The following table brings together the most notable individual performances.
| Statistical Category | Player | Performance |
| Saints passing leader | Spencer Rattler | 141 passing yards |
| Rams passing leader | Stetson Bennett IV | 181 passing yards |
| Saints rushing leader | Kendre Miller | 22 rushing yards |
| Rams rushing leader | Jarquez Hunter | 68 rushing yards |
| Saints receiving leader | CJ Donaldson | 51 receiving yards |
| Rams receiving leader | CJ Daniels | 68 receiving yards |
| Saints tackle leader | Jackson Sirmon | 11 tackles |
| Rams listed tackle leader | Al’zillion Hamilton | 6 tackles |
| Rams interception leader | Alex Cook | 1 interception, 100 return yards |
| Rams kicking leader | Harrison Mevis | 10 points |
These individual statistics show that the Rams had contributors across several positions.
The Saints also had players with productive individual numbers, particularly in receiving and tackling, but their contributions were not enough to overcome the team’s overall struggles.
Understanding Preseason Player Statistics
A preseason box score should be interpreted differently from a regular-season or playoff performance.
The main objective is to understand what happened in the game without assuming that every statistical result represents a player’s long-term ability.
Why Passing Numbers Matter
Passing statistics reveal how quarterbacks handle attempts, complete passes, gain yardage, and protect possession.
However, completion percentage alone cannot explain quarterback quality.
For example, a quarterback can complete several short passes while failing to create scoring opportunities.
That is why passing yards, yards per attempt, touchdowns, interceptions, and sacks should be considered together.
Why Rushing Efficiency Matters
Rushing efficiency measures how effectively a player gains yards on each carry.
In this matchup, the Rams averaged five yards per carry, compared with four for the Saints.
The difference was accompanied by three Rams rushing touchdowns and no Saints rushing touchdowns.
This makes the rushing comparison especially important.
Why Defensive Statistics Need Context
Tackles, sacks, interceptions, passes defended, and quarterback hits measure different defensive responsibilities.
A high tackle total does not automatically mean a defense controlled the game.
The Rams recorded fewer total tackles than the Saints but generated more disruptive plays and created two interceptions.
This is a useful example of why multiple defensive measurements should be reviewed together.
Why Turnover Statistics Are Essential
Turnovers can change the direction of a football game quickly.
An interception may end a promising drive, while a lost fumble can provide an opponent with an additional possession.
A defensive touchdown can be even more damaging because it creates points without requiring an offensive drive.
The Rams’ two interceptions and 103 interception-return yards were particularly important in this contest.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the final score of the New Orleans Saints vs Los Angeles Rams game?
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the New Orleans Saints 34-0 on August 23, 2026, in an NFL preseason game. The Rams scored in all four quarters, while the Saints failed to score.
2. Who was the leading passer in the Saints vs Rams game?
Stetson Bennett IV led the Rams with 181 passing yards on 19 completions from 31 attempts. Spencer Rattler led the Saints with 141 passing yards on 14 completions from 23 attempts.
3. Who was the leading rusher for the Los Angeles Rams?
Jarquez Hunter led the Rams with 68 rushing yards on 12 carries. He averaged 5.7 yards per attempt and recorded one rushing touchdown.
4. Who scored the defensive touchdown in the game?
Alex Cook scored a defensive touchdown for the Rams after recording an interception and returning it 100 yards.
5. How many interceptions did the Saints throw?
The Saints threw two interceptions. Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson each recorded one interception during the game.
6. How many total yards did the Rams and Saints record?
The Rams gained 405 total yards, while the Saints finished with 293 total yards. Los Angeles therefore held a 112-yard advantage.
Conclusion
The August 23, 2026, preseason matchup between the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams ended with a convincing 34-0 victory for Los Angeles. The Rams demonstrated stronger offensive production, better rushing efficiency, effective defensive pressure, and superior ball security.
Stetson Bennett IV contributed 181 passing yards and two rushing touchdowns, while Ty Simpson added 73 passing yards without an interception. Jarquez Hunter led the ground game with 68 yards and one touchdown. CJ Daniels topped the Rams’ receiving chart with 68 yards.
Defensively, Alex Cook delivered one of the game’s defining moments with a 100-yard interception return touchdown. Al’zillion Hamilton added another interception, helping the Rams finish with two takeaways through the passing game.
For New Orleans, Spencer Rattler led the team with 141 passing yards, while Kendre Miller recorded 22 rushing yards and CJ Donaldson led the receiving group with 51 yards. However, two interceptions, one lost fumble, and an inability to score left the Saints unable to compete on the scoreboard.
Ultimately, the game highlighted the importance of balanced offense, efficient rushing, defensive playmaking, and protecting possession. The statistical difference between the teams explains how Los Angeles secured the shutout and why New Orleans needed improvement across several areas.
