New Orleans Saints Discuss Rapid Downward Spiral Through Five Games

The New Orleans Saints have had a stunning three game stretch. The Saints have lost three straight to the Las Vegas Raiders (3-2), Atlanta Falcons (2-3) and Minnesota Vikings (5-0). All three games were at home.

To say the results were surprising would be an understatement. After defeating the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2, there was optimism that the Saints could turn a corner. Then the team imploded. Now, New Orleans is trying to figure out just what happened.

ESPN NFL insider Katherine Terrell noted what the Saints are pondering after a brutal three-game home losing streak Here's some of what Terrell wrote on the team's ownership and players and how they are judging the last three games.

"On Oct. 5, the organization honored its 2006 team on the 20th anniversary of the return to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina, while the current team lost 45-24 to the rival Atlanta Falcons in primetime. Then in Week 5, the Saints inducted former quarterback Drew Brees into their ring of honor at halftime of the Vikings game but went on to lose by 10 points in a game that would have been a blowout if not for two defensive takeaways.

Saints owner Gayle Benson said Tuesday it was 'truly disappointing' to lose to the Falcons in a game that was meant to celebrate the 2006 team. She also mentioned Brees' ROH induction and how the team should honor his legacy by upholding the standards he set. It was a rare critical comment by Benson that highlighted the disappointment of those losses.

In speaking about the home loss to Minnesota, McCoy said the Saints' problems are an 'all-around issue.' The Saints consistently turn the ball over, start slow and commit penalties that put them behind the sticks."

McCoy is correct in that the team's losses encompass all three phases of the game. Many of the Saints' losses have been the fault of defense, but against the Minnesota Vikings the offense and special teams were culprits for hurting New Orleans' chances to win.

Losing the 'Domecoming' anniversary game against the Falcons in no more significant than any other loss. Still, the 45-24 drubbing the team took to a now 2-3 football team raises questions about the Saints' effort level in preparation for that game.

Despite the slow start, there is plenty of football left for the Saints. They will hope to right the ship in Week 6.