Tag: Saints

Saints rule out their starting center with another injury vs. Packers

The New Orleans Saints ruled out their starting center against the Packers. Erik McCoy is dealing with another injury:

Things went from bad to worse for Erik McCoy. The New Orleans Saints’ starting center injured his right elbow on Monday night against the Green Bay Packers and was initially able to return after being labeled as questionable by the team.

But McCoy was only in the game briefly before he exited again, and this time he was ruled out altogether. Backup Shane Lemieux stepped in for him.

McCoy earned his first Pro Bowl nod a year ago but his follow-up season has been full of frustration. He was the linchpin of Klint Kubiak’s offense, having been tasked with reading the defense and adjusting protection pre-snap to take pressure off his quarterback. Those plans were derailed by an early-season groin injury that required surgery and put him out of action for more than a month. Now he’s dealing with another injury with just two more games left on the season.

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Mistakes made an ugly first half worse for the Saints

Mistakes made an ugly first half worse for the Saints. Spencer Rattler’s team must dig deep and rally back in the second half:

The New Orleans Saints are not better than the Green Bay Packers. You didn’t need to watch the first half to know that, but the first 30 minutes was filled with constant reminders.

If the Saints were going to compete with a team that’s much better than them, you couldn’t also commit self-inflicted penalties. That’s exactly what the Saints did in the first half.

Spencer Rattler stalled the two Saints possessions with any momentum. The rookie fumbled in Packers territory, and simply didn’t secure the ball well. On the last possession, Rattler took a bad sack and pushed the Saints out of potential field goal range.

New Orleans forced the Packers into a pair of third and sixes, but turned those into third and ones with offsides penalties twice. This made it easy for the Packers to extend drives and eventually score touchdowns.

There was one mistake that ended up not costing them. The Saints secondary completely lost Christian Watson in coverage, but Jordan Love opted to take the safe throw for a first down.

That was one of their biggest mistakes, and they got lucky for it to not cost them, though Green Bay still ended that drive with a touchdown.

It doesn’t sound like the Saints are moving on from Derek Carr in 2025

It doesn’t sound like the Saints are moving on from Derek Carr in 2025. ESPN reports the team’s salary cap constraints won’t allow it:

Dennis Allen won’t be returning to the New Orleans Saints in 2025, but the quarterback he recruited appears to be here to stay. ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared some insight on what’s in the plans for the black and gold, and it doesn’t sound like Derek Carr will be leaving the team after a couple of rough seasons.

Derek Carr’s contract and this spring’s planned restructure, combined with the Saints’ tight salary cap situation, mean there may not be much appetite in letting him go.

“Because this team is so strapped against the cap, Derek Carr is in line to be back next year. They don’t have a lot of flexibility, he makes the most sense, and it certainly looks like he could be back next season even though he is inactive tonight,” Schefter said.

Carr missed Monday night’s game with the Green Bay Packers after fracturing a bone in his non-throwing hand diving for a first down a few weeks back, and it’s unlikely he’ll be able to suit up again in 2024. But it isn’t expected to linger into 2025, and based off what he’s heard Schefter expects Carr to remain under center in New Orleans.

That wouldn’t be a popular move for a Saints fanbase that has pretty publicly expressed frustration with Carr’s play; he made some strides with Klint Kubiak replacing Pete Carmichael at offensive coordinator, averaging the second-best touchdown rate and passer rating of his career. But he’s clocked just 214.5 passing yards per game, the second-lowest pace of his career. They haven’t won many games because of him.

And Schefter has a point about the cap implications of offloading Carr’s contract. Odds are he won’t agree to waive his no-trade clause, and cutting him would double the dead money the Saints already have on the books for 2025 — and that $48.4 million figure for Marshon Lattimore, Michael Thomas, and Jameis Winston already leads the league. It would be incredibly difficult to make competitive offers in free agency with $100 million tied up in money for players not on the team.

So Carr will likely be back in 2025. So will Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. But who would a new head coach be starting? Carr would be a highly-paid backup, and agreeing to start him because of that may be a stipulation for a new coach. That could turn off some attractive coaching candidates, but crazier things have happened in the NFL. Stay tuned to see how this all unfolds.

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Newly-signed running back won’t make Saints debut vs. Packers

Saints fans will have to wait at least one more week to see Clyde Edwards-Helaire in a black and gold uniform:

Earlier this week, Darren Rizzi gave the game plan to replace Alvin Kamara. He mentioned going to a committee approach and listed Kendre Miller, Jamaal Williams and Jordan Mims as the players who we’d see in the backfield for the New Orleans Saints.

Notice anyone missing? Rizzi didn’t mention newly-acquired running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Failing to mention him was the first sign the Saints didn’t plan on bringing Edwards-Helaire up to the active roster this week.

New Orleans isn’t bringing any players up from the practice squad against the Green Bay Packers.

Another mid-season addition, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, sat out a week after being signed. From that point, the receiver has been not only the Saints’ lead receiver in a dire moment of need, he’s also been a bright spot of the Saints offense.

Will Edwards-Helaire follow suit? Miller is likely going to be lead back, and if he stays healthy, he should secure that position. Edwards-Helaire could ascend as high as above Williams. Right now, Edwards-Helaire is likely still familiarizing himself with the playbook.

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Hot take: Saints wide receiver will end his scoring drought in revenge game

Marquez Valdes-Scantling enters MNF against his former team. Is he in line for a big game?

Last week, Chase Young had the opportunity to play against the team that drafted him, the Washington Commanders. The defensive end answered the call and put up his highest sacks total as a Saint. It’s Marquez Valdez-Scantling’s turn on Monday Night Football. Can he put up a similar performance to Young against his first team?

Valdes-Scantling had just two catches for 25 yards when the Kansas City Chiefs played at Lambeau Field last year. The New Orleans Saints deploy Valdes-Scantling in a much more prominent role than he was used in Kansas City, however.

Alvin Kamara’s groin injury takes Valdes-Scantling from being the Saints lead receiver to the top receiving threat at any position. The receiver has crossed 50 receiving yards in all but one game, and has been a consistent deep threat.

Valdes-Scantling has four catches of over 35 yards and three catches over 40 yards. Not only has he pulled in many deep balls. He’s also had a knack for the end zone. Three of those 35-plus yard catches went for touchdowns.

Here’s a bold prediction for you: the Marquez Valdes-Scantling Revenge Game will feature a 50-yard touchdown, ending his two week scoring drought.

Sacking Jordan Love must be a major key for the Saints defense

Sacking Jordan Love is critical for the Saints, but the Packers QB has been one of the least-sacked quarterbacks since becoming a starter:

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LeFleur praised Jordan Love for being, “one of the best I’ve ever been around at avoiding sacks and negative plays.” As the New Orleans Saints visit the Packers for Monday Night Football, the Saints must do what most have failed to do, take down Love consistently.

If New Orleans can get a few sacks on Love, it would help to take away the run game on that set of downs. Love and his band of wide receivers are extremely talented, but Josh Jacobs is the biggest threat to the Saints defense.

The Saints have the sixth-worst rushing defense in the NFL, and they allow the second-most yards per carry. If the Saints can bring down Love, the Packers could elect to pass to make up for lost yardage. The Saints must then capitalize on forcing Green Bay to be temporarily one-dimensional.

Bringing down the Packers quarterback is no easy task. LeFleur’s assertion on Love is backed up by numbers. In 12 games this season, Love has only been sacked 11 times. In his first year as a starter, he had the fifth-best sack to dropback percentage. He’s tough to bring down.

The Saints’ strides as a pass rush unit under Brian Young has been praised. Chase Young has 3.5 of his 5.5 sacks and Cameron Jordan recorded all three of his sacks since the change at defensive line coach. Bryan Bresee has seen an uptick in production, too. As they go against one of the most difficult quarterbacks to sack, those improvements will be put to the test.

New Orleans has recorded no fewer than two sacks in their last five games. They’ll need to do at least that on Monday to corral a dangerous offense. It’s easier said than done, but it may be the key for the Saints defense.

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Packers Wire staff predictions: Week 16 vs. Saints

Predictions from the Packers Wire staff on the Packers’ Week 16 showdown with the Saints.

The Green Bay Packers didn’t get any help on Sunday, but a win over the New Orleans Saints on “Monday Night Football” from Lambeau Field will still clinch a playoff spot in the deep NFC field.

Can Matt LaFleur’s team take care of business at home against a 5-9 team that is eliminated from playoff contention and missing several key contributors?

Here’s how the staff at Packers Wire believes the Week 16 showdown with the Saints will go down:

Zach Kruse: Packers 24, Saints 10 (8-6)

The Saints can’t be overlooked, not after they won three of their first four games under Darren Rizzi and then gave the Commanders a big scare late last Sunday. But when you play someone matters so much, and the Saints are going to be severely shorthanded on Monday. Derek Carr is out. So is Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, Taysom Hill, Rashid Shaheed and Paulson Adebo. The Packers defense could dominate against a patched-together offense led by rookie quarterback Spencer Ratter, who has been sacked 10 times on just 140 dropbacks and is 0-3 as a starter. Add in the potential for the Packers run game to go wild, and this game should never be in doubt. While it’s possible the streak of 30-point games continues, I’m not betting on it. The Packers still win by two touchdowns in a mostly stress-free victory at home.

 

Brandon Carwile: Packers 31, Saints 13 (11-3)

This is not only a game the Packers should win but one they should dominate. At 5-9, the playoffs are a pipe dream for a Saints team with basically nothing to play for and without three of their top offensive players: Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and Derek Carr. Moving the ball will likely be a challenge for rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, especially without Kamara there to hand or dump the ball off to. New Orleans’ defense also doesn’t match up particularly well against Green Bay. They enter Week 16 with the 27th-ranked run defense about to face the fourth-ranked rushing offense. I could easily see Josh Jacobs leading the charge in a monstrous day for the Packers’ offense.

Brennen Rupp: Packers 27, Saints 10 (13-1)

The Saints are without their starting QB. They’ll get without their best offensive playmaker in Alvin Kamara. They have been without the services of Chris Olave for most of the season. They’ll be without the legend that is Taysom Hill. Last year around this time the Packers dismantled a short-handed Minnesota Vikings team in prime time. This feels like another game where Jordan Love and the offense will do whatever they want, whenever they want and the Saints won’t have the horses to keep up. Give me the Packers winning comfortably at home.

Writer Prediction Score Record
Zach Kruse Win 24-10 8-6
Brandon Carwile Win 31-13 11-3
Brennen Rupp Win 27-10 13-1

 

Marshon Lattimore exits Commanders game with a familiar injury

Hamstring injuries plagued Marshon Lattimore in New Orleans, and they continue to be an issue with the Commanders:

Marshon Lattimore can’t seem to escape hamstring injuries this season. The former New Orleans Saints cornerback missed the Saints’ second game of the season versus the Dallas Cowboys due to a hamstring injury.

That was only a one game absence. Lattimore missed his last game in a Saints uniform due to a hamstring injury before being traded to the Washington Commanders. The cornerback missed his first four games as a Commander.

Lattimore returned to action against his former team last week. In his second game as a Commander, however, the cornerback had to exit due to another hamstring injury.

Washington was in the midst of a pivotal game versus the Philadelphia Eagles. On an individual level, Lattimore was tasked with matching up against A.J. Brown.

Hamstring injuries have a knack for being difficult to shake at times. This is an unfortunate break for a highly talented cornerback. The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter. Despite Lattimore’s absence, the Commanders were able to pull out a close win and clinch a playoff berth.

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Spencer Rattler’s ball security will be tested vs. NFL’s best ballhawk

Spencer Rattler’s decision-making and ball security will be tested by the NFL’s best ballhawk on Monday night:

Spencer Rattler is stepping into his fourth start as the New Orleans Saints quarterback. It’s his first start since Week 8, and as long as Derek Carr remains out, Rattler will be the Saints’ starting quarterback. That stretch begins against the Green Bay Packers.

In last week’s contest, Rattler relieved Jake Haener and put on an improved performance. One of the rookie’s most glaring problems in his first stint was his issues protecting the football. He threw two interceptions in his first three games and fumble three times, too. As the Saints close out the season, Rattler must ensure he protects the football and avoids putting it in dangerous spots.

Rattler’s decision making will be put to the test this week, as Xavier McKinney is on the other side of the field. The Packers safety has seven interceptions, the most in the league.

McKinney’s presence should remain on Rattler’s mind. Rattler is going to take shots down the field, and McKinney is going to be waiting for the opportunity to get his hands on the ball.

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Falcons blow out Giants, eliminating Saints from playoff contention

The New Orleans Saints no longer have any possible route to the playoffs after the Falcons defeated the Giants. But that doesn’t mean they have nothing to play for:

The New Orleans Saints started the season on a hot streak. Dennis Allen’s decision to add Klint Kubiak felt like the missing piece for the Saints’ success. But fast forward to Week 16 and New Orleans has been eliminated from the playoff picture.

The Saints needed the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers to lose, followed by New Orleans winning against the Green Bay Packers.

Instead, the Falcons demolished the New York Giants with a 34-7 win in Michael Penix Jr.’s debut, and in turn, eliminated the Saints from playoff contention. The outcome of the Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys game is now irrelevant. The NFC South is officially a two-team race.

This is the fourth consecutive year the Saints have missed the playoffs. New Orleans has still yet to make the playoffs since Drew Brees retired. Instead, the Saints have been a bad team in a bad division.

With the playoffs officially off the table, what do the Saints have to play for? Darren Rizzi is still building his case to be the team’s head coach in 2025. A win against the Packers would be the best victory by this team in a couple of years and would certainly bolster Rizzi’s resume. Young players on the roster with a lot to prove like Spencer Rattler, Kendre Miller, Bryan Bresee and Kool-Aid McKinstry want a win on Monday night, too.

Don’t expect the Saints to quit and go home just because the playoffs are out of reach, but the last few years of results haven’t lined up with what general manager Mickey Loomis sold fans and ownership when he hired Allen. This team needs bigger changes.

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