The New Orleans Saints had their worst performance of the year thus far in their week four loss to the Atlanta Falcons. This outcome can’t be blamed on one person, but rather on the entire team, which is reflected in the stock report.
Normally, there are a few bright spots, even in a disappointing loss. However, the stakes of this game and the resulting performance leave little to be optimistic about.
Still, it’s a long season, and there’s plenty of time to turn things around. That said, here is one winner and five losers from the Saints' primetime loss to the Falcons.
Kellen Moore is the Saints biggest loser
Kellen Moore
This is the worst-case scenario for Kellen Moore. He started the season with the entire fanbase behind him; however, they’re starting to turn after an abysmal performance.
Losing is one thing, but failing in the same aspects every week is frustrating. There’s no reason for the Saints to fall behind in the first half of each week. Because of this, questions about Moore’s future are beginning to emerge.
Is this an overreaction? Yes. He’s not going anywhere currently. But that can quickly change if the team keeps performing this way.
Kool-Aid McKinstry
Is Kool-Aid McKinstry a lockdown cornerback? Previously, most fans would say yes. But his performance against Atlanta indicated otherwise.
This level of inconsistency has been a trend throughout McKinstry’s career. At times, he’s looked amazing, and at others he’s been disappointing. The Saints were already likely to address cornerback this offseason; now that’s a certainty.
Run offense and defense
I was going to make these separate headlines, but I can sum them up in one.
The Saints have serious problems both establishing the run and defending it. Currently, they rank 27th in rushing yards per game and 30th in yards allowed. This will derail their season if it isn’t fixed.
A disappointment for both sides.
Offensive line
The Saints invested far too much capital in a subpar offensive line. Yes, they have a backup left tackle, but that doesn't excuse the other four positions.
This is a two-dimensional issue, as it’s hindering an otherwise impressive passing game and destroying the aforementioned rushing attack. The Falcons dominated them and destroyed Moore’s game plan. They must improve for the Saints to see success in 2026.
Kendre Miller
The Kendre Miller experiment might be over. The four-year veteran had six rushes for nine yards and one fumble in his increased opportunity with Travis Etienne injured.
Miller is still an explosive threat, but he hasn’t impressed in his first healthy season. He still has time, but he won’t be on the roster next year if nothing changes.
Tyree Wilson is the single winner from the Falcons game
Tyree Wilson
Tyree Wilson was the lone defensive bright spot for the Saints on Monday night with one sack and six tackles. He proved his worth as a valuable depth piece who can step up when injuries occur.
Right now, this isn’t a conversation. But don’t be shocked to see Wilson gain more snaps if Carl Granderson continues to struggle with inconsistency.
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