Brass Edge Express in Dramatic Week 16 Showdown

In a thrilling Week 16 matchup at the Superdome, the New Orleans Brass outlasted the Los Angeles Express 21-19 in a game that highlighted grit, defensive stands, and clutch performances. Both teams entered with identical records, but it was the Brass, led by quarterback Rusty Hilger, who capitalized on key moments to secure a hard-fought victory. The game’s MVP, Hilger, threw for 331 yards, meticulously steering the New Orleans offense against a resilient Los Angeles defense.

The tone was set early, as both teams exchanged blows in a tightly contested first half. The Express struck quickly with Steve Young finding Duane Gunn for a dazzling 68-yard touchdown, but the Brass responded with a Henry Odom touchdown run and an Ed Jackson safety to take a 12-10 lead at halftime. New Orleans extended their advantage in the third quarter with a field goal, but Los Angeles answered in the fourth with another Young-to-Gunn connection, briefly giving the Express a one-point lead.

New Orleans’ Shane Swanson delivered the game-winning score with a seven-yard touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter. Despite a late Tony Zendejas field goal narrowing the gap, the Express couldn’t muster another scoring drive, falling short in the final minutes. The win marked a bittersweet finale to the season for New Orleans, whose defense held firm when it mattered most, while Los Angeles was left to lament missed opportunities and a season of near-misses.