Saints owner Gayle Benson calls out 'not acceptable' 1-4 start amid team's struggles
The Saints are on a three-game losing skid, all three of which came at home.
New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson expressed her dissatisfaction with her football team's performance after a disappointing 1-4 start to the season. Speaking at a local luncheon on Tuesday, Benson, via NOLA.com’s Rod Walker, called the team's performance "not acceptable" and noted that it did not meet the expectations of the team's passionate fanbase. Benson highlighted the frustration expressed by fans and acknowledged the team's need to improve beyond their current performance.
The Saints have lost three consecutive games, all at home, including a tough 23-13 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings. Quarterback Tyler Shough contributed to the struggles with two interceptions and just 96 passing yards, while the team managed just 55 rushing yards overall. The only victory in the stretch was a 24-17 win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2.
Benson also addressed her head coach, Kellen Moore, and general manager, Micky Loomis, directly. She emphasized that Moore and his coaching staff are responsible for preparing the players, while Loomis and the football staff are tasked with building a roster capable of sustained success. Benson, as the team's owner since 2018, emphasized her responsibility to hold the organization accountable for its performance.
As the Saints have missed the playoffs for five straight seasons, Benson's comments have fueled calls for significant changes within the organization. The team's struggles have been ongoing since the retirement of longtime quarterback Drew Brees after the 2020 season, with the Saints going 6-11 last season after hiring Moore. The upcoming home games against the New York Giants could potentially intensify calls for meaningful changes around the organization.
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