It was just earlier this month that New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson said what she was seeing on the field was unacceptable and that she is committed to making the decisions necessary to improve the team. Since that statement, New Orleans has gone 1-1, nearly blowing a three-score lead in one and being shut out of three quarters in the other. Now entering the bye week, Benson has effectively backed herself into a corner and has to make some sort of move.
"I hear the frustration directed towards our team and our organization. It is not lost on me. Kellen Moore and his coaches are responsible for preparing our players to perform, and Mickey Loomis and our football staff are responsible for building a roster capable of sustained success. Our players are responsible for their preparation and execution. I am responsible for holding this organization accountable."
For the organization, this is the second straight season where they've started out 1-4. It's honestly a miracle that it's not complete chaos at this point, because the Saints haven't had worse back-to-back starts since 1996-1997, which was a whole other circus. With the standards of the Payton era set aside, a speech made just a few weeks ago has already lost its worth, and something has to change.
When might Saints owner Gayle Benson make the move?
One caveat is that Benson never gave a specific deadline for when she needs to see the needed improvement, and Moore and Loomis have asked for patience. However, after the Saints put on two embarrassing performances back-to-back (even though one of them was a win), the weight of the HC and GM's words might not mean much anymore. They might be "all good" according to Moore, but the vibe of the team and the way they look record-wise sit as a counterpoint.
This way Benson would still be a woman of her word and be the only person in the building that holds people accountable. However, she doesn't have to make her move this week if she doesn't feel the need to. It could come closer to midseason or even at the end of the year, which is most likely.
Although Benson never said exactly what that move has to be. If she doesn't want to fire Mickey Loomis, no matter if she should or shouldn't, she doesn't have to. Substantial moves besides firing the general manager can still be made, like the removal of assistant GM Jeff Ireland or Vice President of Pro Personnel, Michael Parenton.
Letting Ireland or Parenton walk would not meet the level of urgency that she discussed at the QB luncheon. There, Benson alluded to moves involving people ever higher up. If done, the outside looking in would see it as a mediocre move, one that doesn't match the fervor of her words.
New Orleans is heading into their bye week and won't return to the field until November. With some time now to make her decision, these next few days could shape how the rest of the season, and even next offseason, will play out.
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