How Does the Saints’ Latest Loss Affect Season Outlook?

The New Orleans Saints are now 1-4 on the season, and there is absolutely zero sign of a turnaround. Kellen Moore has not done a good job in his role as head coach, and the chemistry that he was able to build has deteriorated. What makes things even worse is the fact that Tyler Shough, a player nearly everyone feels at least comfortable about as the starting QB, is being sent out to the slaughter each game. Shough is clearly playing with a hand injury, and after a lack of post-game comments, it may even be a broken hand. Protecting the starting QB should be the most important goal of this team, but because of this loss, pressure is mounting.

With the Saints being 1-4 and 0-3 in New Orleans, Moore’s job is hanging in the balance. After heavy Investment and an entire offseason to prepare, the Saints as a whole have taken a step back, which is a death sentence for a second-year head coach. Injuries have made a major impact, and besides maybe the hamstrings, that can't be blamed on Moore, but good teams around the NFL have copious amounts of injuries that they are able to overcome. Just last night, with offensive line injuries and their starting QB, Lamar Jackson, being out, the Ravens were able to beat the Falcons. Good coaching can overcome injuries, but the Saints can't do that. 

Due to this loss to the Vikings, the Saints are in a desperate position. Moore doesn't just need to win against the New York Giants on Sunday; he needs a dominant victory. The Saints must look prepared and disciplined, but there may be a 1% chance of that happening. Preparation is a major issue for the Saints, and although against the Falcons it was completely exposed, the Saints may have had an even more egregious example of being unprepared. Somehow, against a team that the entire world knows is going to blitz, the Saints were unprepared for the blitz. Of course, nobody is going to be able to stop the blitz every time, but the offense had zero answer for it. 

The Vikings game was another representation of how bad it has gotten this season, and if the Saints do lose on Sunday, it may be time to start researching head coach candidates for the offseason and whether Brandon Staley is going to be the interim HC.