“He isn’t nearly the same player he’s been in the past. New Orleans Saints to bench 8-time Pro Bowl team leader as playoff hopes slip away

The New Orleans Saints have had a roller coaster season to put it lightly.

After starting the 2024 campaign with two dominating performances where the offense put up over 44 points in back-to-back blowout wins and their defense held their opponents to less than 20 points, the Saints lost six of their next seven contests which resulted in massive decisions for the organization.

Head coach Dennis Allen was ultimately fired and replaced with special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi as the interim head coach.

The coaching change appeared to provide an instant spark, as the Saints immediately won their next two games with Rizzi leading the squad, but Sunday’s matchup with the Rams was the team’s last true chance to get back into the divisional race, and New Orleans couldn’t get it done.

Sitting at (4-8), New Orleans is 13th right now in the playoff seeding and their only realistic path to the postseason is through the division. Even with the Falcons and Bucs tied atop of the NFC South with just (6-6) records, the Saints have less than a one percent chance of making the postseason at this point. This Week 14 features the struggling Raiders going to Tampa to take on the Bucs, while the Falcons travel up to Minnesota to take on the Vikings. All three games with NFC South implications will be going on at the same time, but it would take a miracle for New Orleans to play in January o close out the 2024 season.

The Saints obviously have several major decisions to make this offseason about the future of the franchise. First and foremost, who will they hire as the next head coach? Rizzi has been mentioned as a potential candidate to take the full-time position and seems to have support from the locker room, but the roster could look very different in 2025 and there will be several qualified candidates in play.

The new coach will have to help make a decision on QB Derek Carr, who has played like a middle-of-the pack NFL starter since coming to New Orleans, looking great some weeks, and awful others.

But NFL writer Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report believes the New Orleans Saints need to make a drastic decision right now to help their future, and it involves benching one of the biggest faces of the team for more than a decade and a key veteran defensive star that has cemented himself as a leader on the squad.

Ballentine suggests the Saints should bench 8-time Pro Bowl DE Cameron Jordan, who has been with the organization his entire NFL career since getting drafted in 2011.

“Jordan has had an excellent career with the Saints, but the 35-year-old isn’t nearly the same player he’s been in the past. The organization is likely headed toward a rebuild this offseason and won’t be in the playoffs this winter, so giving more reps to younger players like Payton Turner and Isaiah Foskey should be the focus moving forward.”

Ballentine makes a solid point, but a player like Jordan may command a different level of respect. While it’s probable he won’t be on the team in 2025, it will be interesting to see if the Saints actually bench him to give younger players a chance to get experience as they look toward the future.

BAD & GOOD NEWS: “Everything is on track”After losing Taysom Hill, Saints are welcoming back some reinforcements on offense

The New Orleans Saints offense took a big hit with Taysom Hill’s injury, but the offense is close to welcoming back some other key players.

The New Orleans Saints took a big hit in Week 13 when Taysom Hill suffered a season-ending injury. The do-it-all offensive veteran reportedly suffered a torn ACL with additional damage, so his season is over, but people are questioning if his career is as well. Of course, that’ll play itself out; for now, the Saints must focus on the final five games of the year.

Losing Taysom Hill has proven to be a big deal for the New Orleans offense. While he’s an irreplaceable piece, the Saints are close to welcoming back some players that should make a difference for the offense.

On Monday, interim head coach Darren Rizzi announced that the team expects both Erik McCoy and Lucas Patrick to return to the lineup this week against the New York Giants. New Orleans has also opened the practice window for talented running back Kendre Miller. The return of all three should help improve an already productive run game.

Darren Rizzi says Saints expect Erik McCoy and Lucas Patrick to return in Week 14

Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy first injured his groin in Week 3, and that kept him out until Week 11. Unfortunately, he was pulled early from the Week 11 game after re-aggravating the injury, and missed New Orleans’ Week 13 game. Lucas Patrick, on the other hand, last played in Week 9, when he sustained an ankle injury.

Patrick and McCoy are two important starters on the interior offensive line; missing one is pretty tough, but both being out has been a challenge for the Saints. With both guys set to return to the lineup, they should help the run game be even more dominant and consistent.

Kendre Miller, who can now be activated off injured reserve, can also help with that. While he can’t do all the things Taysom Hill can do, the second-year running back can be a productive 1-2 punch with Kamara, similar to the way Hill was.

If all three guys can return to the lineup in their best forms, and stay healthy, New Orleans should be able to finish the final five weeks strong.

BREAKING: Saints Owner Gayle Benson Calls for Leadership Shakeup Team Needs Real Coach Who Knows………..

The New Orleans Saints’ tumultuous season has sparked strong words from team owner Gayle Benson, who expressed her frustration and hinted at significant changes on the horizon. In a rare public statement, Benson made it clear that she believes the team’s current trajectory is unsustainable and that a leadership overhaul may be necessary to restore the franchise to its former glory.

Benson’s Bold Remarks

In a press conference on Monday, Benson candidly addressed the state of the Saints, emphasizing the need for a head coach who deeply understands the team and commands respect in the locker room.

“This team needs help,” Benson said. “They need a real coach—someone they know, respect, and trust. We’ve had a proud tradition here, and it’s time we get back to that. We need someone who knows this team inside and out, and I can’t help but think of Drew Brees when I say that.”

Her remarks have sent shockwaves through the NFL community, as speculation about the Saints’ coaching future intensifies. While Benson did not explicitly name current head coach Dennis Allen, her comments suggest that the organization is reevaluating his position after an underwhelming season.

A Season of Struggles

The 2024 season has been a rollercoaster for the Saints, who have struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball. Despite having a roster loaded with talent—including quarterback Derek Carr, running back Alvin Kamara, and wide receiver Chris Olave—the team has failed to meet expectations.

Fans and analysts have pointed to questionable coaching decisions and a lack of cohesion as key reasons for the Saints’ disappointing performance. The frustration among the fanbase has been palpable, with many calling for a change at the helm.

The Drew Brees Factor

Benson’s mention of Drew Brees has added an intriguing layer to the unfolding story. The legendary quarterback, who retired after the 2020 season, is widely regarded as the face of the Saints franchise. During his 15-year tenure in New Orleans, Brees led the team to a Super Bowl victory and set numerous NFL records, becoming a symbol of excellence and leadership.

While Brees has no formal coaching experience, his unparalleled football IQ, deep connection to the team, and respect within the organization make him an intriguing candidate. In the years since his retirement, Brees has stayed close to the game, working as a broadcaster and mentoring young players.

The prospect of Brees stepping into a coaching role has electrified Saints fans, many of whom believe his return could reignite the team’s competitive spirit.

What’s Next for the Saints?

As the Saints prepare for the offseason, all eyes will be on Benson and General Manager Mickey Loomis to see how they address the team’s coaching situation. The Winter Meetings and NFL Owners’ Meeting could provide a platform for further discussions and potentially set the stage for major announcements.

If the Saints do part ways with Dennis Allen, the search for a new head coach will likely prioritize candidates with strong leadership skills and a proven ability to connect with players. Whether that means turning to Brees or exploring other options remains to be seen.

Fan Reactions

The Saints’ passionate fanbase has reacted strongly to Benson’s comments. On social media, many expressed excitement at the idea of Drew Brees taking on a leadership role within the organization. Others, however, remain cautious, questioning whether a legendary player without coaching experience can seamlessly transition into such a demanding role.

“It would be a dream to see Drew on the sidelines, but it’s a big leap from playing to coaching,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “Still, who better to inspire this team?”

The Road Ahead

The coming weeks will be critical for the Saints as they navigate one of the most pivotal moments in franchise history. Benson’s call for a leadership shakeup underscores the urgency of the situation, and her willingness to explore bold solutions could pave the way for a new era in New Orleans.

Whether it’s Drew Brees or another visionary leader, the Saints’ next head coach will face the daunting task of revitalizing a proud organization and guiding it back to the playoffs. For now, the speculation continues, but one thing is certain: changes are coming to the Crescent City.