The ecstasy of victory lasted all but one week for the Saints after a 38-3 demolition of the Green Bay Packers. The following week, the Saints were humbled in a 26-7 loss to the Carolina Panthers. At 1-1, New Orleans was eager to try and take the bad taste from Charlotte out of its mouth as it traveled to Foxboro to play the 1-1 New England Patriots.
The Saints started the first half against the Patriots showing the energy that had seemingly left their collective body against Carolina. After New Orleans took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, it held Mac Jones and the New England attack at bay, harassing the rookie quarterback on every passing down.