Saints veterans already see a clear difference in the team as they prepare for 2024

The veteran players for the New Orleans Saints have been on a journey with the team throughout their careers. Many of them joined the franchise during the Drew Brees and Sean Payton era. During that time, the Saints were yearly contenders. The playoffs weren’t just an expectation, they were the bare minimum.

Since then, the veterans have witnessed Drew Brees retire, Sean Payton retire then join the Denver Broncos, and the Saints become a mediocre team. New Orleans has missed the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, and they’ve been incredibly underwhelming in arguably the NFL’s worst division.

The team knew somewhat of a shakeup was needed, and that’s why Pete Carmichael Jr. was replaced as offensive coordinator by Klint Kubiak. Now, as the team prepares for the 2024 season, many of the veterans admit they already notice a positive difference in how the team is handling business. The difference is accountability.

Saints believe a culture of accountability is being restored in New Orleans

Since training camp started, several veterans have talked about how there’s more accountability throughout the building than there has been in recent years. Alvin Kamara, who’s always been transparent about the team’s shortcomings, explained to the media how in past years, the team would let a lot of things slide, then be frustrated when those same things come back to bite them in game. Kamara said nothing has been sliding this year.

Quarterback Derek Carr echoed that sentiment and praised new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak for essentially chasing perfection. Carr detailed how he could make a great read and throw in practice, and Kubiak would still be ready with some sort of feedback on how things could be even better. It’s a never-satisfied type of mentality that Kubiak is bringing to the offense.

Even defensively, Cam Jordan said that head coach Dennis Allen has a different pep in his step, knowing he has to go harder if the team is going to accomplish its goals.

This may seem like it should be commonplace in the NFL— NFL players and coaches being held accountable — but it isn’t. There are constantly instances of players talking about a culture change following a coaching change. Just last season, Indianapolis Colts players raved about the culture of accountability that first-year head coach Shane Steichen brought to the franchise.

Under Steichen, the Colts went from a four-win team to a nine-win team that was a play away from the playoffs. Even with their struggles, the Saints were already a nine-win team last season. Hopefully, this newfound accountability will help them jump to another level and return to the postseason.

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