Sunday saw the New Orleans Saints invent another way to lose a game as they fell 21-17 on the road to the Miami Dolphins. The Saints fell to 2-10 while being officially eliminated from the postseason. It is their second straight year and third out of four seasons with double-digit losses. In the first half, Kellen Moore's offense didn't bother to show up. The Saints had a nauseating 63 yards of total offense and two costly turnovers in the first two quarters. Against the run on defense they weren't much better, as the Dolphins rolled through them with ease. It was a problem that wouldn't be solved in the game. A ferocious New Orleans pass rush kept them in things, as Kool-Aid McKinstry also nabbed an interception to foil a Miami drive.
Once the third quarter began, the Saints came to life offensively. They got some decent gains from running back Devin Neal and Tyler Shough helped steer New Orleans to 231 second half yards. Shough threw for 239 yards and 2 touchdowns despite an interception and lost fumble. However, another interception he threw on a 2-point attempt was returned by Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick for a game-changing score.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat was part of a unique way the Saints lost this game. After the botched 2-pointer, New Orleans made an improbable recovery of an onside kick to give them a chance to win. Shough hit a couple passes to get down to Miami's 35, but a failed quarterback sneak on fourth down completed the loss. That's right -- a failed quarterback sneak lost this game. Aside from a ridiculous final two minutes, here's a breakdown of the good, bad, and ugly from a tenth Saints defeat.
The Good: Devaughn Vele
Nov 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele (14) reacts after a carry against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesI'm glad someone reminded Kellen Moore that Vele was on the roster and could be a valuable offensive contributor. He didn't get off to a good start, whiffing on a blitz pickup of Minkah Fitzpatrick that led to a strip sack of Tyler Shough at midfield. Vele more than made up for that by setting a career-best in receiving yardage and tying his high in catches. He led all players with 8 receptions for 93 yards, including a terrific touchdown reception from Shough late in the fourth quarter. For good measure, a hustling Vele recovered the onside kick to give them Saints a chance to win.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementVele was the only consistent offensive threat for New Orleans in the game. Perhaps more importantly, he seemed to provide a comfort level for Shough in key situations. The Saints have struggled in the intermediate levels all season. Several of Vele's receptions were contested catches, with him hanging on to balls despite sustaining hits. A performance like this should at least increase his quarterback's confidence in him, even if it doesn't for a clueless offensive coaching staff.
The Good: Charlie Smyth
Nov 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints kicker Charlie Smyth (39) kicks a field goal against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesWe haven't been able to put kicker in the ''good'' category all season. Playing his first NFL game, Smyth has a lot to prove before he's tabbed as the answer to the team's kicking woes. He sure got off to a strong start with a memorable performance against the Dolphins. Smyth nailed a 56-yard field goal right down the middle with plenty of distance to spare. This was in rainy weather with a wet ball and slick field conditions. He followed that up with a perfectly executed onside kick. Smyth's background as an Irish Gaelic football player allowed him to spin the kick off the tee, which may have helped get through a sea of Miami players for Vele's recovery.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Good: Saints Pass Rush
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 30: Chase Young #99 of the New Orleans Saints reacts during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)Cameron Jordan had 2 sacks in the first half. Chase Young continued his terrific run with a sack and numerous pressures of Tua Tagovailoa. Bryan Bresee chimed in with a second half sack of his own, while linebacker Isaiah Stalbird had another perfectly timed blitz and pressured incomplete. The Saints held Tagovailoa to only 157 passing yards on 12 completions on 27 dropbacks. While some credit goes to the coverage, but their pass rush led the way.
The Bad: Run Defense
Nov 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) is tackled by New Orleans Saints linebacker Pete Werner (20) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn ImagesNew Orleans has struggled against the run most of the year, and this day was no different. Miami rushed for 112 yards in the first half, averaging 6.6 per carry. The Dolphins gained 164 yards on the ground in the game, controlling the tone up front most of the day. De'Von Achane matched his career-high with 22 carries, picking up 134 yards and an average of over six yards per rush. Outside of a few resounding stuffs by Young, Demario Davis, Pete Werner, and Danny Stutsman the Saints were controlled in the trenches and simply couldn't match up with Achane's outside speed.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Ugly: Saints Offensive Line
Nov 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints center Cesar Ruiz (51) and center Luke Fortner (79) attempt to block Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zeek Biggers (93) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn ImagesNew Orleans rushed for 81 yards but averaged barely three yards per carry. Alvin Kamara was sidelined by a knee injury, but frankly wouldn't have made much of a difference because of the poor blocking up front. Honestly, Devin Neal and his 47 yards may have been more successful as Kamara would have been because of Neal's power and ability to fight through first contact.
Shough really didn't have many downfield looks because he simply didn't have the time to let plays develop. The rookie was sacked four times and hit or flushed from the pocket and sent on the run on several other dropbacks. He also had three passes deflected or knocked down because of penetration up front. The interior had it's usual protection issues, but tackles Kelvin Banks and Taliese Fuaga also played poorly on the edge.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNew Orleans offensive linemen were responsible for five penalties. One false start by Dillon Radunz actually saved the Saints from a botched snap by center Luke Fortner. The other infractions put the Saints in poor down and distance situations, all but a death sentence for such a bad offense. The microcosm for how bad the line performed on Sunday was the last offensive play for New Orleans. Needing less than a yard on fourth down at the Miami 35, the line was unable to get enough push up front for Shough on a simple quarterback sneak.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints vs. Dolphins recap: The good, bad, and ugly from Week 13
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