Overreactions: Saints vs. Panthers

The New Orleans Saints have hit a new low after an embarrassing loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon, officially extending their losing streak to seven consecutive games following an impressive 2-0 start to the season.

Quarterback Derek Carr struggled in his return to play after missing the past three games with an oblique injury, and the depleted secondary’s absences proved too much to overcome as Bryce Young looked sharp stepping back in as the starter for Carolina.

However, New Orleans appears to have finally reached its breaking point and no longer feels it can continue to look beyond the results, as the front office finally pulled the trigger on a long-awaited change in leadership that has the fan base rejoicing: the firing of former head coach Dennis Allen.

This lays the groundwork for this week’s overreactions after the Saints’ Week 9 loss to the Panthers:

Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

“The season is saved, and the Saints will get back to their winning ways.”
By now, it’s not much of a secret—the 2024 season is essentially over for New Orleans, and it’s going to take some time before we see the Saints’ winning culture return.

It’s unreasonable to expect a change at head coach to completely turn around the season for a 2-7 football team, especially since injuries and an overall lack of depth on the roster haven’t helped the Saints’ case during this losing streak either.

It’s time to start focusing on the future and stop delaying the much-needed roster reset, which requires commitment and patience to execute effectively. While I don’t necessarily believe New Orleans should be full-on sellers at the trade deadline, there are a few moves worth considering if the Saints asking price is met, particularly a potential deal involving franchise CB Marshon Lattimore.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“Just give Darren Rizzi the full-time HC gig.”
Former special teams coordinator and assistant head coach Darren Rizzi is one of the more respected voices within the Saints’ facility, making it an easy choice for New Orleans when deciding who would replace Dennis Allen as the team’s interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Rizzi actually interviewed for the Saints’ head coach opening in 2022 before the team ultimately hired Allen instead.

However, one of the main factors that has held New Orleans back these past couple of seasons is their reluctance to look outside of the building and embrace change. The Saints operate similarly to a family-run business and have a track record of prioritizing continuity and familiarity in their decision-making, which has come back to haunt them post-Brees-Payton.

As of now, I still feel it’d be best for New Orleans to explore the market during this offseason’s head coaching search to provide a fresh perspective and culture for the locker room. That said, Rizzi did mention his plans to reevaluate and change some of the practices that New Orleans has been following for what he described as “a long, long, long time.” This is an important opportunity for him to prove to the Saints and the rest of the league that he has the goods to be an NFL head coach.

I wouldn’t rule out Rizzi securing the permanent head coaching role if he impresses during this final eight-game stretch. He’s a player’s coach, deeply passionate about his work, and highly knowledgeable in every aspect of football. If the Saints view this as an audition for Rizzi and it works out, I wouldn’t be surprised.

The New Orleans Saints will try to snap their losing streak against the rival Atlanta Falcons during Week 10’s matchup in the Caesar’s Superdome.