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The New Orleans Saints failed to convert a single third down and left their beleaguered defense on the field for more than 40 minutes in a 22-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The Saints ended the preseason at 3-1, the same record they had a year ago. The Ravens finished the exhibition season at 4-0.

The Ravens reached the end zone twice in the final four minutes. The first score was called back because of a penalty, and the other was overturned on review. After all that, Justin Tucker's 24-yard field goal was enough to give the Ravens' an insurmountable two-score margin with 3:49 left.

Tucker had five field goals, and the Ravens scored only one touchdown despite finishing with 436 yards on 79 snaps.

Saints defensive lineman Tyrunn Walker twice swatted down passes to force a field goal. Late in the third, he deflected a throw from quarterback Keith Wenning to force a 32-yard field goal by Tucker.

The Ravens usually fared better on third downs, converting 11 of 18. The Saints were 0-for-7.

The third-down difference had a dramatic impact on time of possession. Baltimore had the ball for more than 42 minutes, while the Saints' offense was on the field for only 17:21.

The Ravens scored their only touchdown when starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor converted a third-and-8 by finding Deonte Thompson in the end zone. The Saints' secondary appeared to be discussing how to assess blame after the play.

The touchdown was one of three big conversions by the Ravens on the drive. Taylor scrambled twice for first downs.

Saints quarterback Ryan Griffin hit Robert Meachem for a 52-yard completion in the second quarter, but that drive stalled near the end zone. Derek Dimke kicked a 23-yard field goal to tie the score at 10.

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Danno

Thats really all you need to know.

joker-saint

Not too surprised here. I recorded the game so I can watch it later. Can anybody tell me how much of our starting defense was on the field? If our backups were on the field and they only scored one touchdown, I'd say things are looking pretty Damn good. If our starting offense took the field for one set of downs this game could have gone the other way. 0 for 7 on third downs? Are you kidding me? What's wrong with Griffin? All he did was solidify McCowns position as the back up quarterback. Kind of reminds me of that kid from the tv series Blue Mountain State "Sean Moran" he purposely sucks in order to stay in a back up role until he is absolutely needed. When well Griffin step up? I believe he can be an excellent replacement for Brees when he retires. I mean, how many seasons does Brees have left anyway. He has already broken more records than any other quarterback in NFL history. All he needs now is a couple more superbowl rings. Perhaps Griffin is staying below the radar do he doesn't get picked up by another team? One thing is for certain though "IT'S FOOTBALL SEASON AGAIN!!" Geaux Saints!!! Who Dat!!!

|Mitch|

None; John Jenkins was the only "starter" per say to play on the D-Line, Robinson/Bailey were the starting corners, Sunseri/Warren were the starting safeties I believe...

Hicks was credited with three tackles, but I don't remember seeing him play much

Rugby Saint II

So, we have decent backups at most positions but we need better depth.
On paper our starters are Superbowl caliber.

homerj07

This was all 3s and 4s - for the most part. Correct? That being said I have not heard a single god thing about Patrick Robinson and that IS a worry.

Danno

He was praised quite a bit throughout camp