On the board!
The New Orleans Saints have finally put a number, other than zero, in the win column for 2025 thanks to a 26-14 success over the New York Giants.
They suffered 11 losses in a row, including preseason. The last win came on 8th December, 2024. That seems a long time to wait. And that last win? Also against the Giants, albeit up at MetLife Stadium.
Sunday in the Superdome was LOUD. It is some time since I remember really noticing the noise on the TV broadcast.
For anyone who has been in the Dome, you know how loud it can be. But racking up 11 losses in a row will take the wind out of a lot of lungs. Lately, the Dome has not been the intimidating gladiatorial ring it once was. A win changes that though, right?
Well, if truth be told be told the Dome was already at full throat before the first ball was kicked. The team knew exactly what it was doing rolling out returning players Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau for the Who Dat chant.
Both are fan favourites and both have been sidelined since last year for the same ACL injury. Their return was always going to be exciting and, with the exception of Jimmy Graham’s return two years ago, I have not seen the chant led like that in a long time. It was everything to them, and to the fans.
Offense finding footing
This team looked night and day compared to two weeks ago against the Seattle Seahawks.
Running back Kendre Miller deserves a permanent place in the Good Morning Football ‘Angry Runs’ segment and he is currently leading all backs in the NFL for ‘elusiveness’.
Quarterback Spencer Rattler continues to improve and is looking more and more like a NFL starter. The ball is coming out quickly, although it is still not exactly where you want it to be every time.
The offensive line is not giving Rattler a huge amount of time in the pocket but I am going to withhold judgement at the moment as they have not played together much yet due to injuries.
And a special mention to Electronic Arts who came in for some stick this week after Rashid Shaheed called them out for his wholly disrespectful 93 speed rating in Madden 26.
I still do not think 95 is fair after his 87-yard touchdown clocked the fifth-fastest ball carrier speed this year but it is a step in the right direction! We have been waiting all year for a long bomb to Shaheed and this was a joy to behold.
Defense? Oh yeahhh!
It would be remiss of me not to throw in a Kool-Aid joke after defensive back McKinstry picked off Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart in back-to-back drives.
He has struggled lately so it was great to see him come alive in this game. Jonas Sanker continues to do Jonas Sanker things. Carl Granderson is still racking up the sacks, despite what the box score – and ‘roughing the passer’ referees – will tell you and Cam Jordan is playing his best football in years.
I would really like to see more of Danny Stutsman at linebacker. The self confessed “cracker with the juice” has not seen much time on the field this year and with some trade speculation around Pete Werner, get him on the field!
Special teams miscues
Overall, special teams looked better. But this is overshadowed by the worrying form of kicker Blake Grupe.
He currently has the worst record of the year amongst NFL kickers, and not only continues to miss far too many field goals, but also the landing zone on kickoffs.
At this level, these are vital points that have to be on the board.
Still, his ‘flying body’ tackle on a returner who looked twice his size ranked as one of my favourite moments of the game! He might be struggling for form but you cannot question his commitment.
Coaching
I am feeling really optimistic about Kellen Moore and the staff he has put together. There is clearly a long way to go until we know how good they are but the signs are good.
Personally, I love having a head coach on the sideline again who has passion and is not afraid to show it.
We are also seeing a lot of the young guys getting playing time this year and this is exactly what is needed in a rebuild. You have to know what you have in the building.
Onto the next one
The Saints will be back in the Dome this weekend against Drake Maye and the New England Patriots.
The team currently find themselves in a somewhat unusual situation; in possession of a favourable injury report compared to their opponents.
Injuries have plagued this team in recent years but, at least right now, they are looking far more resilient. Maybe I should have given Ted Rath, the Saints’ new Director of Sports Performance, a special mention in the ‘coaching’ section.
And speaking of injuries, Chase Young looks good to return this weekend which will bring a welcome upgrade for the defense. He still needs to live up to the potential he showed in his rookie season but if he can come back strong, who knows what can happen.
Especially if the Superdome is rocking again.
Who Dat!
