Kirk Cousins throws 3 TDs, Raiders rally past Saints 35-27
The Las Vegas Raiders rallied to beat the New Orleans Saints 35-27 in New Orleans on Sept. 27, 2026, as quarterback Kirk Cousins threw three touchdown passes, including two in the fourth quarter. The win gave the Raiders a 3-0 record while the Saints fell to 1-2. Las Vegas trailed entering the fourth quarter but produced a late comeback to take the lead and finish the rally. The game featured multiple lead changes and sustained scoring by both offenses.
Raiders kicker Matt Gay converted three field goals of 41, 37 and 25 yards to keep Las Vegas within striking distance before the comeback. Cousins threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Michael Mayer in the second quarter and added 4-yard scoring passes to Cody White and Brock Bowers in the fourth. Mike Washington Jr. had a 36-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter that helped fuel the late push. Those scoring plays, combined with Gay’s field goals, set up the decisive fourth-quarter drives.
New Orleans moved the ball effectively behind quarterback Tyler Shough, who threw four touchdown passes, two to Juwan Johnson and two to Noah Fant. A point after Johnson’s first TD was blocked, and the Saints still reached 27 points on the strength of those connections. New Orleans led through much of the second half before the Raiders’ late scoring runs. The result left the Saints searching for answers on late-game defense and situational execution.
NFL Sports Blog Take
The Raiders showed resilience by rallying from behind and relying on Cousins’ late passing to secure the victory. Matt Gay’s three field goals were critical in keeping Las Vegas close early and setting up the comeback opportunity. Tyler Shough and the Saints offense produced multiple touchdown passes but could not hold the lead in the fourth quarter. Las Vegas improved to 3-0, while New Orleans must address late defensive lapses as it falls to 1-2.