It's a different week and a different team, but the New Orleans Saints once again failed to come running out of the gate. The only thing different about this time is that they weren't able to claw themselves out of the hole, failing to make it a close game as they fell to the Atlanta Falcons 45-24. It's by far the most frustrating loss of the season, with the Saints giving the fans nothing but disappointment.
It all started very quickly this time, with Falcons running back Bijan Robinson running 59 yards into the end zone on his first touch of the game. The Saints' defense was actually struggling so much at the beginning that they allowed 255 yards and 15 first downs by halftime. Their struggles were only amplified by the Saints' lack of run game and offensive line, which produced only 50 yards and allowed two sacks and five tackles for losses, respectively.
Throwing the ball to nobody, fumbling in crucial spots, and missing a field goal, the Saints looked like the lights were shining too bright. With several offensive miscues and miscommunications along with the defense acting like they're made of butter, the idea of a win seemed like a pipe dream. Each time they even got it close, i.e., within two possessions, Atlanta would respond back with a score of their own.
The Saints weren't able to make this game close
New Orleans has consistently struggled in the first half this year, trailing when entering it through all of their games this year. Although their deficits are typically within a score, this time the dam broke as the Saints were down by 17 at halftime. At least in the previous weeks the slow starts have been survivable, because this time the team never seemed to be close to a W.
The first-half game plan has got to change going forward. They're nearly last place in terms of first-half offense, for God's sake, ranking 29th in the NFL. Hopefully they figure out a solution to the slow starts or else the Who Dat Nation will be in for an equally slow season.
The only bright side of the game might be the fact that the offense was able to figure some things out, even if the defense continued to play dead. Shough and the offense were able to keep what little dignity they have left after this game, with 286 passing yards and three total touchdowns. They also lost the time of possession battle, with 29:18 to Atlanta's 30:13.
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