Even at 4-10, the Saints have to feel optimistic about the finish to 2025
Let me be clear. Having a record of 4-10 isn't something to be proud of. There's a saying that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I can make the case for the Saints' record being a good thing for their future and their first-year head coach, Kellen Moore.
If a team with contending aspirations in 2025 finishes with a record of 4-10, it is a failure of a season. If a team is looking to turn around a season of three wins or fewer, the season could be a disappointment. The Saints weren't aiming to be 4-10, but it wasn't out of the realm of possibilities. However, this 4-10 record feels different given the context of the season.
Going into 2025, the Saints were looking to find their way with Moore as a head coach and Spencer Rattler starting at quarterback with eyes to 2026. While that is still the case, the last few weeks have given the Saints organization and fans a reason to be optimistic.
Given the change at quarterback and the team's feeling that they are destined for the number one pick, the Saints have shown fight and grit, proving they aren't tanking, but are instead changing the culture to set them up for the future.
Look at certain organizations that find themselves in the mix for the top three picks each year. You'd think that would be a recipe for future success. Unfortunately, there is a reason the same teams fight for the same spots for the most part. Setting a culture that people can come into and buy into is how you truly turn things around.
Of course, drafting isn't a perfect science, but there is a reason bad organizations stay bad. The idea of tanking in the NFL is one of the more ridiculous concepts, given how scarce jobs are in the NFL, and why you would sacrifice your livelihood as a player or coach for a draft pick is far-fetched, to put it mildly.
This recent stretch for the Saints will either be a blip on the radar in hindsight or the turning point for a head coach and organization looking to establish a new culture and stability with another high draft pick in their sights.
I can't say for certain either way, whether this is the new norm or something to forget, but I will say I'm impressed with the team and their fight and fiestiness down the stretch. All it takes is a spark and a little belief.
Maybe that is what is happening in New Orleans.