NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints are facing a challenging season, with a second losing record looming in three years. However, interim coach Darren Rizzi has a shot at finishing strong as he navigates the final games of the regular season, potentially securing wins in as many as six of the eight matches he has coached.
This past Sunday, the Saints delivered a hard-fought performance in a nail-biting 20-19 loss against the Washington Commanders, a team fighting for a playoff spot. The match demonstrated that the players are still engaged and fully supporting Rizzi as he vies for a permanent coaching position.
“From day one, I stated that we would play with passion and grit, and that we wouldn’t be dull to watch,” Rizzi mentioned after taking the helm following Dennis Allen’s dismissal on November 4. The Saints currently possess a record of 5-9, showing promise with a 3-2 record since Rizzi’s appointment. Their losses during this stretch include a tight game against the revitalized Los Angeles Rams and a last-minute defeat that resulted from failing a two-point conversion attempt.
“I felt immense pride walking off the field,” Rizzi said. “We fought hard until the end, and we were just one play away.” The Saints played without main quarterback Derek Carr due to a concussion and injury to his non-throwing hand, forcing rookie Spencer Rattler to take charge during the second half, where all four of their offensive scoring drives occurred.
Even though playoff contention is unlikely for the Saints this year, the final three games against Green Bay, Las Vegas, and Tampa Bay could be instrumental in shaping the team’s future.
In a recent highlight, the Saints achieved a season-high of eight sacks against Commanders’ quarterback Jayden Daniels, a Rookie of the Year candidate, effectively doubling their previous best of four sacks in a single game. “Over the last month, we have synced up better in our pass rush, and it’s paying off,” remarked Saints defensive end Chase Young, who contributed two sacks to the impressive tally.
However, the Saints’ running game has seen a decline, failing to exceed 92 yards in their last two outings. This comes as a setback for a squad relying on defensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s philosophy, which emphasizes outside zone rushing. The Saints previously surpassed 180 rushing yards in four games, including one instance of exceeding 200 yards. Rizzi acknowledged the recent inefficiency in their ground game is not reflective of their strategy: “That’s not how we prefer to play, and we haven’t executed well on the run in the past two games.”
On a positive note, Rattler, who struggled earlier in the season with a 0-3 record as a starter for Carr, showed significant improvement when he replaced Jake Haener during the second half on Sunday. “People often use the word ‘moxie’ these days. He has it in spades,” Rizzi stated, expressing admiration for Rattler’s clutch performance.
Conversely, Haener’s initial start in the NFL lasted only one half, culminating in an interception and contributing to the team’s struggles to score. Rizzi acknowledged Haener’s disappointment, stating, “None of us would be pleased in his shoes, but he maintained professionalism throughout.”
In terms of injuries, top running back Alvin Kamara sustained a groin injury during the recent game, leading to uncertainty about his status. Rizzi reported that Kamara felt discomfort following a touchdown catch, and the running back would be consulting multiple medical professionals this week.
Carr’s return is also being monitored, with Rizzi maintaining a wait-and-see approach regarding Carr’s situation before making any decisions about the starting position. In addition, Rizzi believes that defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon, who has been recuperating from an Achilles tear since April, might be ready to play this week.
A noteworthy statistic that fans should keep in mind is that it has now been 26 years since a quarterback drafted by the Saints has secured a winning game for the team, with the last being Danny Weurffel in a 19-13 overtime victory against the Colts on September 27, 1998.
Looking ahead, the Saints will face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on the Monday before Christmas. Rizzi acknowledged the importance of playing in such a high-stakes environment. “Having the chance to step onto national television at this time of the year in Lambeau is a fantastic opportunity,” he said. “We anticipate a significant challenge, facing a quality competitor in an outdoor setting during the evening and dealing with the elements.”