NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints have faced a disheartening end to what has turned out to be a challenging season, with a recent shutout defeat leaving them with only two games left to play. As they head into these final matchups, uncertainty looms over the future of the team.
Interim coach Darren Rizzi knew that facing the Green Bay Packers, a playoff-caliber team, would be a formidable challenge for his injury-stricken squad. With key players absent, including the starters for quarterback, running back, and wide receiver positions, the Saints struggled to keep pace. The team’s defensive front, although somewhat intact, failed to contain the Packers’ effective rushing attack led by running back Josh Jacobs, leading to a lopsided score.
After reviewing the game tape from the Saints’ 34-0 loss, Rizzi highlighted a serious lack of execution as a significant issue. “There was nothing that stood out on film other than a lack of execution and playmaking,” he commented. Facing a strong opponent in their home territory proved to be a tough combination. Rizzi, who aspires to secure a permanent head coaching position, has two more games remaining in what has been an inconsistent trial period, with the Saints accumulating a 3-3 record under his leadership, including one of the worst losses in recent years.
With postseason hopes extinguished and many backup players taking the field, the final two weeks will largely focus on evaluating talent for the upcoming offseason. Significant roster changes are anticipated, along with potential shakeups in the coaching staff. Rizzi acknowledged that the team has been assessing player performance for at least a month, hinting that even more young or practice squad players might get extended playing time in the remaining games. “We’re going to learn a lot about many individuals,” said Rizzi regarding their upcoming challenges.
In terms of positive performances, the punt team stood out as a rare bright spot, managing to place three of their four punts inside the Green Bay 20-yard line. Notably, the Saints did not allow any yardage on punt returns, although they struggled significantly in other areas of the game involving quarterback protection, ball security, and offensive effectiveness. The team managed only 67 rushing yards and allowed 188 yards on the ground, completing the game with just 129 passing yards. Echoing a sentiment from former Saints coach Jim Mora, Rizzi remarked that the team struggled to execute effectively on many fronts.
Despite facing challenges, rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler managed to include some bright moments in his performance. Even though he was responsible for two turnovers, he produced enough encouraging plays to remain a viable starter if injured veteran Derek Carr cannot return to the lineup. Rizzi noted the need to balance the positives with the negatives, emphasizing a need to eliminate detrimental plays moving forward.
On a positive note, tight end Foster Moreau, a local of New Orleans, has grown into a reliable offensive asset, leading the team in receiving yards with two catches for 33 yards against the Packers. With 25 receptions and four touchdowns this season, he has established himself as a key player in the offense. On the flip side, Rizzi’s early success as interim coach has dimmed after this recent loss, which marks the team’s third setback in their last four games, potentially complicating his hopes for a permanent role in the organization.
Injury issues persisted as center Erik McCoy exited the game due to an elbow injury, while guard Lucas Patrick suffered a knee injury in the final moments. Rizzi confirmed that McCoy would not require surgery but might miss the remainder of the season. Patrick’s situation is under further evaluation, but his return this season is unlikely. Carr and star running back Alvin Kamara, both dealing with injuries, remain questionable for the final matchups. Nevertheless, Rizzi stated that Carr has expressed interest in playing against his former team, the Las Vegas Raiders, while Kamara is determined to make a comeback.
A significant statistic — 24 years — highlights the scale of the Saints’ recent defeat, marking the first time since a 38-0 loss to San Francisco in 2002 that they experienced such a shutout.
Looking ahead, the upcoming home game against the struggling Raiders promises to be an anticlimactic event, likely drawing crowds akin to those of preseason games. However, securing a win in each of these final two contests is crucial for the current Saints staff to avoid the franchise’s worst record since their displacement due to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, where the team finished 3-13.
