The New Orleans Saints' furious second-half rally came up just short as they lost to the Miami Dolphins 21-17 on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
New Orleans quarterback Tyler Shough threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Devaughn Veleto make it 19-17, setting up a two-point attempt. Miami defensive back Minka Fitzpatrick intercepted Shough's two-point pass and returned it for two points for the Dolphins with 1:17 to play.
After Fitzpatrick's return, kicker Charlie Smyth and the Saints had a successful onside kick to give New Orleans one last attempt at the 45-yard line with 1:15 to play. Shough was stopped short on fourth-and-1, giving Miami the ball and the game.
The loss dropped New Orleans to 2-10. The win improved Miami to 5-7.
The Dolphins grabbed a 16-0 halftime lead thanks to some strong defense and the running of De'Vone Achane. The Saints were without star running back Alvin Kamara, who missed the game with a knee injury, and the offense struggled early under rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. The Saints went three-and-out four times, Shough lost the ball on a sack-fumble, and threw an interception late in the second quarter, ending the team's best drive.
The Saints scored on their first second-half possession, a 17-yard pass from Shough to Chris Olave. Charlie Smyth , a 24-year-old from Mayobridge, Northern Ireland, made a 56-yard field goal with 6:09 to play to make it 19-11. It was his first attempt in an NFL game. Smyth, an International Pathway Player, replaced Blake Grupe, who was cut earlier in the week after missing numerous kicks this season.
Shough was 26 of 38 for 239 yards, two touchdown passes and an interception. Vele had eight catches for 93 yards and the touchdown. Rookie running back Devin Neal had 14 carries for 47 yards.
Saints defensive end Cameron Jordanhad two sacks in the first half, giving him 6.5 for the season and 128 for his career, tied for 17th all-time in NFL history with Rickey Jackson. It is the 30th multi-sack game of Jordan's career. Defensive tackle Bryan Bresee had a sack in the third quarter and defensive end Chase Young had one in the fourth quarter.
Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry intercepted Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the second quarter. McKinstry also made a huge fourth-down tackle to give the Saints offense one last chance with three minutes to play which resulted in the touchdown pass to Vele and the dramatic finish.
Saints safety Justin Reid left the game during the first series with a knee injury and did not return.
New Orleans will play at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) on Sunday, Dec. 7.
