{
  "id": 2681011,
  "title": "Shutout loss to Rams was Saints' worst preseason defeat in 30 years",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/shutout-loss-to-rams-was-saints-worst-preseason-defeat-in-30-years",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-23T00:02:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/shutout-loss-rams-saints-worst-000208412.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On a recent afternoon, the New Orleans Saints faced the Los Angeles Rams in a preseason game that proved to be their worst defeat in the past 30 years, tying their 1971 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles for fourth-worst in team history. The Dallas Cowboys, however, still hold the franchise's worst exhibition performance record, which was set in 1972 with a 56-7 blowout victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Saints, who are currently at a 0-4-1 record in preseason games, acknowledged the disappointment of this loss, stating that there are no wins or losses or ties in a preseason game, but some level of outplaying the opponent is expected. The Saints will have several practices this week before their final preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, followed by a period of roster cuts ahead of the NFL deadline. They hope that the analysis of this defeat against the Rams will help separate the talented players from those who need improvement.",
  "summary": "A 34-point shutout loss to the Los Angeles Rams was the New Orleans Saints' worst preseason defeat in 30 years, but it's far from their lowest moment.",
  "key_points": [
    "Saints suffered worst preseason loss in 30 years to Rams.",
    "Defeat tied 1971 loss to Philadelphia Eagles for fourth-worst.",
    "Saints aim to identify players needing improvement after loss."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The shutout loss to the Rams signals a significant setback for the Saints, highlighting a need for improvement among players as they head into the final preseason game and subsequent roster cuts.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}