Juwan Johnson Scored Two Touchdowns in Saints Loss
The tight end recorded 53 receiving yards and two scores despite the New Orleans defeat.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Football
Juwan Johnson hauled in 8 of 8 targets for 53 yards and two touchdowns in the New Orleans Saints' Week 3 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Johnson's effort was part of a historic display by the tight end position.
Why it matters
The high-scoring output from tight ends on both sides of the ball highlights a rare offensive explosion for the position that defined the game's momentum. Despite the statistical success, the Saints struggled to contain the opposition in a critical divisional matchup.
Juwan Johnson caught all 8 of his targets for 53 yards and two touchdowns during the game. His performance contributed to a combined six touchdowns by tight ends, which tied an NFL positional record.
The players
Juwan Johnson
He is a professional football tight end who currently plays for the New Orleans Saints.
Nakobe Dean
He is an NFL player who successfully forced a fumble from Johnson during the Week 3 matchup.
Eric Stokes
He is an NFL defensive player who secured the loose ball after a forced fumble against Johnson.
Tyler Shough
He is a professional quarterback whose pass attempt was intercepted by Hezekiah Masses during the game.
Hezekiah Masses
He is an NFL player who recorded an interception and later had a fumble forced against him by Johnson.
The details
Johnson remained a focal point of the passing attack, receiving targets on shallow crossers and out routes throughout the contest. However, his day included a turnover when Nakobe Dean punched the ball from his grasp, which was subsequently recovered by Eric Stokes.
Timeline
The New Orleans Saints lost to the Las Vegas Raiders during Week 3.
Juwan Johnson is expected to compete against the Atlanta Falcons next week.
Season Trajectory
Johnson's breakout performance marks a significant shift in the Saints' offensive reliance on tight ends, potentially altering the team's red-zone strategy for the remainder of the season. This high-scoring game signals a shift in the current competitive landscape among divisional rivals.
Fantasy managers can note Johnson's perfect 8-of-8 reception rate as a positive indicator for future target volume. His two touchdowns significantly boosted his scoring total, despite the negative impact of his lost fumble on his overall efficiency.
The takeaway
Tight ends are becoming increasingly vital as primary scoring threats in modern offensive schemes. Players should monitor target distribution in coming weeks to see if this historic level of production remains sustainable.
What happens next
Juwan Johnson is scheduled to return to the field next week for the game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Further reading
For more on the team's season, visit the Football section.
