NFL
“One thing I’ve probably been the most proud of is………No bye week exhale for New Orleans Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi, team returns with spirited practice
“One thing I’ve probably been the most proud of is………No bye week exhale for New Orleans Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi, team returns with spirited practice
New Orleans is a game behind second-place Tampa Bay, and two games behind first-place Atlanta
Darren Rizzi hit the ground on a dead sprint when he was named interim head coach of the New Orleans Saints.
There wasn’t a bye week or extended weekend following a Thursday night game to collect thoughts, calm the heart rate, pay attention to all the congratulatory calls and texts that surely drowned his phone.
So when the Saints’ bye week finally did arrive after his first two weeks as interim head coach – 11 weeks into the season – Rizzi surely must have decompressed a little bit.
Right?
“I traveled a little bit,” he said. “Got to see my son play a high school football game; my son, Cameron, played his last high school football game in Florida, so that was pretty cool.
“I got to see my son, Christian, at the University of Texas for Senior Day, which was miraculous that I could make it there; I’ve only been able to go to three games in four years.
“I got a chance to watch my daughter, Alex, coach high school basketball for a minute down in Florida as well, so that was pretty neat. That was the exhale part. I got to travel around and see those guys, which was great. That part was cool. And just kind of press the reset button. When you’re in the middle of the season like this and it’s kind of full throttle, you don’t get a chance to exhale.”
And so, when the Saints (4-7) returned to the practice field Tuesday in preparation for Sunday’s 3:05 p.m. game against the Rams (5-6) at the Caesars Superdome, Rizzi and Saints players attacked work much the same way as they have the previous two game weeks.
The Saints broke a seven-game losing streak and won back-to-back games for the first time since the opening two weeks of the season, and the Rams are coming off a 37-20 home loss to Philadelphia on Sunday night.
“One thing I’ve probably been the most proud of is the guys have done a phenomenal job of keeping the focus on that particular game,” Rizzi said. “It’s easy to get caught up in all the stuff that’s been going on between the coaching change and all the changes going on.
“In my opinion, the biggest reason we’ve won the last two games is that the guys focused on the preparation – we had two really good preparation weeks. And the focus was just on being 1-0.
“Just keeping the focus on right now, the Rams, this game and not trying to get caught up in the big picture stuff. It’s easy to get wrapped up in everything else, so bringing the guys back in today, getting started early in the week, I thought it was great getting work done and just keeping the focus on the Rams.”
The macro is this: New Orleans is a game behind second-place Tampa Bay, and two games behind first-place Atlanta, in the NFC South Division standings.
The micro is this: If the Saints don’t handle their own part of the equation, no amount of scoreboard-watching matters.
“We’re stressing that all the reasons why we’ve done well the last two games is keep the focus on that,” Rizzi said. “Great enthusiasm today in the locker room, great enthusiasm today in practice, I haven’t seen any change. I thought today was one of our better practices that we’ve had, so I’m very pleased with the way it’s going. We’ve got to keep that going.”
NFL
AGREED: Opposing teams have struggled against the New Orleans Saints since Darren Rizzi became head coach
AGREED: Opposing teams have struggled against the New Orleans Saints since Darren Rizzi became head coach
Apparently making your special teams coordinator your interim head coach earns you some good luck on the third phase of the game
Since Darren Rizzi has become the New Orleans Saints head coach, opposing kickers have struggled against New Orleans. Every team the Saints have faced since the coaching switch have missed a field goal, other than the Los Angeles Rams and they didn’t attempt a field goal.
The most notable miss was Bryan Bresee blocking Matt Gay’s field goal to seal a Saints win over the New York Giants. The play earned Bresee recognition as NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
It all started with Younghoe Koo and the Atlanta Falcons. Koo is a normally surefooted kicker, especially against New Orleans. He’d only missed two field goals versus the Saints coming into the game, and one was a blocked kick from beyond 60 yards.
In Week 10, Koo missed three field goals. That’s more field goals than he’d missed against the Saints in his whole career. It’s also the most kicks Koo has missed in a single game in his career.
In total, opposing teams are 2-of-8 on field goals since Rizzi has taken over. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not. You be the judge.
NFL
DEAL ACCEPTED: New Orleans Saints Pull Blockbuster Deal to Land Star Quarterback Jared Goff from Detroit Lions, Bolstering Offensive Arsenal for Next Season.
DEAL ACCEPTED: New Orleans Saints Pull Blockbuster Deal to Land Star Quarterback Jared Goff from Detroit Lions, Bolstering Offensive Arsenal for Next Season.
In a groundbreaking move, the New Orleans Saints have finalized a blockbuster trade to acquire star quarterback Jared Goff from the Detroit Lions. This surprising development sends ripples through the NFL, as the Saints look to solidify their offensive lineup and build on their ambitions for next season.
The Details of the Trade
The Saints reportedly offered a lucrative package to the Lions in exchange for Goff. The deal includes multiple draft picks, including a first-round selection in the upcoming NFL Draft, and two prominent players from New Orleans’ current roster. While the exact terms are still unfolding, insiders suggest the Saints spared no expense in landing the Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback.
This trade marks a significant shakeup for both teams. The Lions, who are in the midst of a roster rebuild under head coach Dan Campbell, have chosen to part ways with Goff after two seasons in Detroit. Meanwhile, the Saints are betting big on Goff’s experience and talent to lead their offense to new heights.
Goff’s Credentials
Jared Goff, 29, entered the league as the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, selected by the Los Angeles Rams. During his time with the Rams, he led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2018 season and earned two Pro Bowl nods. Known for his strong arm, accuracy, and leadership on the field, Goff transitioned to the Lions in 2021 as part of a trade involving Matthew Stafford.
In Detroit, Goff showcased resilience and poise, amassing over 4,000 passing yards and 29 touchdowns in the 2023 season. His performance highlighted his ability to thrive under pressure and manage games effectively. The Saints are undoubtedly counting on these attributes as they aim to contend in the competitive NFC South.
What This Means for the Saints
The acquisition of Goff signals a shift in strategy for the Saints. Head coach Dennis Allen and general manager Mickey Loomis have made it clear that their focus is on winning now. With Goff at the helm, the Saints have a proven leader capable of elevating their offense, which struggled with consistency in recent seasons.
Goff’s addition also raises expectations for the Saints’ talented roster. Wide receiver Chris Olave and running back Alvin Kamara are expected to benefit significantly from Goff’s ability to distribute the ball efficiently. Paired with the team’s robust offensive line, the Saints could emerge as a top contender in the NFC.
Reaction Around the League
The trade has garnered widespread attention across the NFL. Analysts and fans alike are weighing in on the implications for both teams. ESPN’s Adam Schefter described the deal as “a bold move that underscores the Saints’ urgency to compete at the highest level.” Meanwhile, critics have questioned whether the Lions received enough value in return for a quarterback of Goff’s caliber.
Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees also chimed in, expressing optimism about the team’s future. “Jared Goff is a tremendous talent and a great leader. He’s exactly what the Saints need to make a deep playoff run,” Brees said in a statement.
The Lions’ Perspective
For the Lions, the trade represents a commitment to rebuilding with a long-term vision. By parting ways with Goff, Detroit creates opportunities for younger talent and adds valuable draft capital to reshape their roster. While fans may lament the departure of a dependable quarterback, the move aligns with the Lions’ goal of constructing a sustainable winning culture.
Looking Ahead
As Goff prepares to don the black and gold, the Saints are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting season. The team’s schedule includes high-profile matchups against NFC powerhouses, and all eyes will be on Goff to see if he can deliver under the bright lights of New Orleans.
With this blockbuster trade, the Saints have sent a clear message: they are all-in on their quest for a championship. Whether this gamble pays off will be one of the most intriguing storylines to watch in the upcoming NFL season.
Dallas Cowboy
Stephen Jones praises Mike McCarthy for doing an “outstanding” job despite the Cowboys’ injury struggles.
Stephen Jones praises Mike McCarthy for doing an “outstanding” job despite the Cowboys’ injury struggles.
Mike McCarthy’s ability to keep the Dallas Cowboys competitive despite injuries could influence whether the team offers him a contract extension.
“I think he’s done outstanding,” executive vice president of personnel Stephen Jones said on Wednesday after the NFL’s winter meetings. “I mean, our guys are playing hard and he’s got them competing. That was a tough game the other night, but guys played hard.”
McCarthy, who is in the final year of his contract, helped lead the Cowboys (5-8) to three consecutive 12-win seasons, including two NFC East titles, before things started to go wrong this year.
The Cowboys were 3-5 when Dak Prescott was injured and out for the season. Many defensive players, including star edge rusher Micah Parsons, have also missed multiple games.
“When you’re owning/managing a football team, you look at everything. It would be irresponsible not to,” Jones said about considering the team’s injuries when evaluating McCarthy’s performance. “I know our fans and opponents don’t look at everything, but we do.”
Parsons’ return helped the team win two straight games, but Dallas lost 27-20 at home to Cincinnati on Monday night due to a critical mistake on special teams after a blocked punt.
Mike McCarthy walks off the field after the game
The Cowboys have had four heavy losses and have lost four games by just one score.
“Hats off to Mike,” Jones said. “When you look around the league, sometimes you see a lot of teams that start like that and they’re thinking about next year. And Mike’s got everybody focused on winning each and every game.”
Under McCarthy, the Cowboys haven’t had playoff success, going 1-3. They were beaten badly by Green Bay in the wild-card round of last season’s playoffs, but owner Jerry Jones made few changes to the roster.
When asked if a decision about McCarthy’s future had been made, Stephen Jones said: “We’re talking about the next game.”
When asked if Bill Belichick was ever considered, Jones replied: “We’re worried about the next game.”
Las Vegas Raiders5 days agoCONGRATULATIONS: Former Raiders QB and two-time Super Bowl champion Jim Plunkett has been inducted into the Hall of Fame after……
- Las Vegas Raiders6 days ago
BREAKING: Raiders to hire OC from elite team and fire Coach Antonio Pierce
- NFL6 days ago
This Breaks Our Hearts: Raiders and Entire NFL Community Was Shocked by DE Maxx Crosby’s Bombshell Statement, Which Led to..
- NFL6 days ago
“looking for “Organizational alignment” Why Ben Johnson’s could be the next New Orleans Saints Coach
- NFL4 days ago
CRAZY MOMENT: Alvin Kamara Separated Heated Interim Coach Darren Rizzi From Saints Punter Following…….
- NFL6 days ago
RECORD BREAKER : Saints Running Back Alvin Kamara set to hit an important new milestone in Week 14
Las Vegas Raiders5 days agoRAIDERS NEWS: it’s looking like……” Deion Sanders addresses Antonio Pierce as the Raiders seal deal to draft in Shedeur Sanders as their starting QB…..
- NFL5 days ago
CONFIRMED: Alvin Kamara’s Saints confirm loss of key player for rest of season
