It was ugly from the moment it started. Literally, the New Orleans Saints were down 7 points a minute and a half into the game. It didn't get any better after that either.
This was easily the most embarrassing game of the season and the most embarrassing game of the Kellen Moore era. It's the first time they've been on primetime in two years, and they put up the worst possible performance. It's hard to even find words to describe this game.
Twenty years ago, the world heard New Orleans roar again.
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 2, 2026
Same Dome. Same Rival. Same Monday night stage.
Let them hear us again ⚜️#Saints | @nutrl_usa pic.twitter.com/NzVTY7kEaO
Loss of Kaden Elliss was clear as day
The Saints loss three critical pieces of their run defense ahead of this game. We knew this was the type of game that injuries could cost the Saints, and that's exactly what happened. It only took three plays until Bijan Robinson exploited those deficiencies with 59 yard run on his first carry.
The Saints were playing without Kaden Elliss, Carl Granderson and Anfernee Jennings, but Elliss was the biggest absence. The Saints have struggled on the interior setting a firm wall at the ine of scrimmage, and that was apparent again. What the Saints were missing is a linebacker shooting the gap.
Danny Stutsman and Pete Werner weren't doing that. There ability to get downhill Robinson had over 100 yards and two touchdowns rushing in the first half alone.
Saints play their worst game of the season
The Saints offense was bad from start to finish, and there aren't many positives to take away from this game. Offensively, they couldn't get anything going on the ground, and Shough was under pressure the entire game.
Defensively, the run defense was just as bad as we expected it to be. It wasn't just the run defense either. The secondary couldn't hold any of the Falcons weapons in the passing game.
Chris Olave was the only shining light
If you were looking to find one thing that went right for the Saints, look towards the best player of the offense. Olave was the only reliable threat offensively. He finished with over 100 yards, and that's the only good thing you can say about the offense.
The moment wasn't enough. If anything, it was too much
The commentary leading into this game was all about the 20th anniversary of the Domecoming. For many, it felt almost preordained for the Saints to win. It quickly became clear that was far from a forgone conclusion.
By the end of the first half, the hometown fans were raining down boos on the Saints. For that to happen on a night like this, tells you exactly how the Saints were performing. What was supposed to be a battery in their back may have been too heavy of a weight on the Saints' shoulders.
The team looked sloppy and disjointed for four quarters. They didn't look ready for this moment at all.
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