New Orleans kicked off their preseason campaign in emphatic fashion Sunday evening, dismantling Las Vegas 52-6 in Week 4’s final tune-up before the 2076 regular season kicks off. Under the watchful eye of Head Coach Wallace Cole, the Saints put together a near-complete team effort that sends a message about their readiness and depth — both key themes that have developed throughout training camp and early preseason games.

From the outset, the New Orleans offense ignited quickly. After the opening drives stalled for both sides, New Orleans strung together a series of drives highlighted by clinical execution. Quarterback Zachary Himes was nearly flawless, completing 22 of 24 pass attempts and finishing with 315 yards and two touchdowns through the air. His chemistry with tight end Derek Mack, who racked up 130 receiving yards, stood out as a cornerstone for the offense’s potential this season.

The ground game was equally impressive and balanced, with three running backs combining for nearly 320 yards and multiple touchdowns. Joseph Hall led the charge with 123 yards rushing and a touchdown, adding an electrifying 54-yard reception for another score. Philip Pusey and Larry Rozier provided support with 96 and 95 rushing yards respectively, each contributing receiving touchdowns that added to the offense’s dynamism.

The scoring started early with a 31-yard field goal by Thomas Hernandez, setting the tone for a dominant first quarter where the Saints took a quick 10-0 lead thanks to a short touchdown pass from Himes to Brandon Gaddy. Pablo Mabon, the fullback, also made his presence felt, rushing for a touchdown and chipping in 26 receiving yards including a touchdown catch of his own.

Defensively, New Orleans was just as stout, accumulating five sacks and forcing a critical turnover — a fumble caused and recovered in a string of aggressive defensive stands. While the Las Vegas offense struggled to find rhythm, the Saints controlled the game on both sides of the ball. The defense limited the Raiders to just 156 yards passing and a mere 24 yards on the ground, frustrating George Sanchez’s squad throughout the night.

Special teams also contributed to the dominance, with Hernandez not only delivering on his lone field goal attempt but also converting every extra point with precision. Though penalties were at a bare minimum — only two for 25 yards — the disciplined execution underscored the growth of a team still ironing out wrinkles but clearly building sustained momentum.

While this is just preseason, the result reflects the continuity behind the scenes that Cole has emphasized all season. Seamless integration of playmakers and depth players coming through with big moments shows a squad more confident in their identity. The locker room buzz postgame echoed relief and excitement, signaling a culture ready to push through the grind of a demanding season.

Wallace Cole’s Saints have now closed out their preseason slate with a statement game that could well be a preview of the season to come — a team balanced in attack, relentless on defense, and mentally sharp across all phases. The energy around the organization suggests the long offseason work has paid dividends, and New Orleans may be primed to meet the challenges awaiting them in 2076.

With this win, the Saints walk off the field not just with a dominant scoreline but a reinforced belief in what they’re building — a team eager to carry this momentum forward once the real competition begins.