Saints rookie takes former All-Pro and award winner to school during blowout victory

The 2024 rookie class for the New Orleans Saints is beginning to prove themselves on a more consistent basis this season. Their first-round pick looks like an offensive stalwart for the foreseeable future. 

Taliese Fuaga

The rookie offensive tackle dominated once again in Week 11. Against Myles Garrett, a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year and All-Pro talent, Fuaga and the Saints OL forced Garrett into his worst game of the season. 

According to Ross Jackson via Next Gen Stats, Garrett compiled an 8% pressure rate against the Saints. That was his lowest output of the season, His previous low was 11.1% in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Garrett’s two QB pressures were also a season-low in 2024. 

In every sense of the word, New Orleans held the star pass rusher in check. 

Garrett's frustration

The Browns star defender showed some emotion after the loss to the Saints. 

"Legacy," Garrett said. "I play this game to be the very best there is, and I expect everyone else to play because they love it. Play because they want to be remembered for something. Whether you're 2-8 or 8-2, this [season] will be remembered for years to come. There will be film, people will speak about you. And you'll have to know that your effort and what you put on tape is going to decide what's gonna happen for your career, and for years to come."

For Fuaga, this is yet another strong performance against a top-tier pass rusher in the NFL. 

The rookie has routinely held his own nearly every week so far this season and has become a consistent light during some dark times for New Orleans, who sits at 4-7 after eleven games. 

Fuaga currently holds a 64.6 blocking grade via Pro Football Focus. That grade may not even give him enough credit, either.

His development, along with some growth for Trevor Penning, have both given Saints fans a glimpse to the future for New Orleans' offensive line. They may have their starter on both ends, pointing to some different needs early in the 2025 NFL Draft.