Skattebo scores 3 TDs, Tracy returns kickoff for score as Giants beat Saints 36-29

East Rutherford, NJ - Cam Skattebo rushed for 132 yards and three touchdowns as the New York Giants defeated the New Orleans Saints 36-29 in Week 6, sending New Orleans to its sixth consecutive loss to open the season.

The Giants finished with fewer offensive yards than the Saints, 425 to 378, but the teams arrived at those totals in distinctly different ways. New Orleans generated 396 passing yards and only 29 rushing yards, while New York finished with 242 passing yards and 136 on the ground. The Giants also recorded 26 first downs, 11 more than the Saints.

Skattebo accounted for nearly all of New York's rushing production. He carried 23 times, averaged more than five yards per attempt and broke a game-long run of 15 yards. His three rushing touchdowns supplied the defining individual performance for a Giants offense that recorded three touchdowns and two field goals across six red-zone trips.

"Twenty-three carries is a lot of trust, and I wanted to make each one count," Skattebo said. "The yards were there, but finishing with touchdowns is what stands out to me. Getting the win makes the workload feel a whole lot better."

New York's passing game was far less efficient. Jaxson Dart completed 17 of 30 attempts for 177 yards and was intercepted three times, finishing with a 34.3 passer rating. Jameis Winston also appeared, going 7 of 11 for 66 yards and an 80.1 rating. Neither quarterback recorded a passing touchdown.

Malik Nabers provided the Giants' largest receiving contribution with nine catches for 86 yards, including a long reception of 20 yards. New York did not produce a completion longer than 21 yards, but its 26 first downs and 7-for-14 showing on third down stood in contrast to New Orleans' 15 first downs and 3-for-9 third-down mark.

The Saints' aerial production was explosive. Tyler Shough completed 21 of 31 passes for 423 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. He posted a 123.3 passer rating and had a long completion of 73 yards.

Travis Etienne Jr was the biggest beneficiary, catching six passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns. His 73-yard reception was the longest catch of the game. Noah Fant added a 65-yard touchdown reception, while Khari Blasingame caught two passes for 51 yards and another score.

"There was a lot of production, and four touchdown passes should give us opportunities," Shough said. "But I also threw two interceptions, and the only number that really stays with you afterward is the loss. We have to be more complete with what we're generating."

Red-zone production created another significant statistical divide. New York scored three touchdowns and made two field goals on six trips. The Saints were recorded with no touchdowns and no field goals across five red-zone visits despite scoring 29 points overall.

Both defenses generated takeaways. New Orleans recorded three interceptions and one sack, while the Giants finished with two interceptions and four sacks. The turnover totals reflected the uneven quarterback lines: Dart threw all three of New York's interceptions, and Shough accounted for both Saints giveaways.

New York also found the end zone on special teams in the fourth quarter. Tyrone Tracy Jr returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, and Dominic Zvada added the extra point.

For the Saints, the passing totals and four touchdown throws were not enough to end their season-opening skid. New Orleans entered the week at 0-5 and left East Rutherford at 0-6. The Giants, meanwhile, followed their first victory of the season with a seven-point win at home.

Up Next

The New York Giants will travel to face the Houston Texans in Week 7, while the New Orleans Saints return home still searching for their first victory when they host the Pittsburgh Steelers.